So far, Clemson has offered just two defensive linemen in the 2027 class.
One of those two offers went to four-star in-state talent Seth Tillman (South Pointe). The 6-foot-3, 263-pound recruit is widely considered one of the top five players in the state for his class, and he has been a frequent participant at Dabo Swinney’s high school camp since he was a youth.
However, this summer’s camp experience felt a little different. With Tillman about to begin his junior year of high school and Clemson beginning to hand out offers to players in his class, he could feel the extra attention he was getting from the coaching staff.
“This time, I felt like they were really interested in me because from the moment I walked in, someone pulled me to the front of the line,” Tillman told The Clemson Insider. “And the moment we started working out, all the coaches were watching and evaluating me.”
And Tillman did not disappoint. By the time he left campus, he’d earned an offer from the Tigers, one he had worked so hard to attain. Inside, there was a part of him that was expecting it, but there was also another part of him that wasn’t so sure.
“I had an idea, but at the same time I wasn’t really sure,” Tillman said. “But I just performed my best and got the offer. The offer meant a lot. I’ve been working hard ever since I was little. When my mom told me I received the offer, I was so happy and got in line for one-on-ones.”
On top of being one of the five highest-rated players in the state, 247 also ranks him No. 100 overall and No. 6 among all defensive linemen.
South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Texas A&M, Miami and LSU are just a few of his offers to date. For Clemson, defensive tackles coach Nick Eason is leading the charge, and the two have already formed quite a bond.
“He is a great coach,” Tillman said. “Our relationship is growing stronger and stronger each day, and the connection is most definitely getting stronger.”
Being an in-state recruit, Tillman is more than familiar with everything the Tigers have to offer, and by all accounts, Clemson has staying power.
“Clemson is most definitely up there on my offers, no doubt.”
