After failing to land a cornerback in the last recruiting cycle, Clemson cornerbacks coach Mike Reed needed to land a couple in 2026.

Over the years, Reed has proven not only to be an exceptional talent evaluator, but the longtime member of Dabo Swinney’s staff also has a proven track record for developing that talent once they arrive on campus. Reed has produced multiple first round NFL Draft picks during his tenure at Clemson, with the most recent being Nate Wiggins, who selected 30th overall by the Raven in 2024.

Knowing that corner was a position of need in the 2026 class, Reed and the Tigers signed two last week, with three-star talents Shavar Young Jr. and Marcell Gipson putting pen to paper.

“Mike has done a great job of just identifying these two guys,” Swinney said. “If you just look at the guys that we have had, Mike has done a great job at that corner position. We’ve had some elite players, and I think these two guys have a chance to come in here and really help us immediately. Certainly from a depth standpoint and compete, especially with how we want to structure our defense.”

Young was the first player to commit to Clemson in the 2026 class, announcing his verbal pledge back in August of 2024.

During the summer, rumors were swirling of Young potentially flipping. SMU, Michigan, Oregon and Notre Dame all made runs at the three-star corner, but in the end, Young stuck with Clemson.

“I think he was our very first commit in this class,” Swinney said. “A lot of people tried to get him to change his mind. But he stuck with us, and I am just very thankful for Shavar for sticking with the Tigers.”

Young, who plays both ways, was a finalist for Mr. Football in the state of Tennessee after totaling 2,169 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball. He recorded 50 tackles, a pick six and two forced fumbles on the defensive side.

Young also excelled on the hardwood for his high school, and his mother was a collegiate athlete.

“I think this kid has a chance to be a very good player,” Swinney added. “He is a very dynamic athlete. A guy that has had to do a lot of things. He is a good basketball player. He has played multiple positions. He is just a really good athlete. He is a competitor, and his mom was a great competitor too and a college athlete.”

Gipson might be the most underrated recruit in the entire class. Standing 6-foot tall, his size undoubtedly hurts him in some people’s eyes. However, he has some length, and has proven capable of covering taller receivers. He’s also extremely athletic and has a knack for getting his hands on the ball.

“Marcell is a true corner,” Swinney said. “He can run. He just has a great natural ability to play the corner position.”