One of Clemson’s recent portal additions has revealed why he chose the Tigers.

Old Dominion transfer safety Jerome Carter III told The Clemson Insider that it was “Dabo Swinney and the defensive coaching staff” that put the Tigers over the top.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder was an All-Conference honoree as a sophomore in 2025 after logging 75 total tackles, two pass breakups and six interceptions.

Over his two years with the Monarchs, Carter appeared in 25 games, totaling 98 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and three pass breakups, along with the six picks.

Carter was a three-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class coming out of Columbia High in Lake City, Fla. He had close to 20 offers, including Indiana, West Virginia, Iowa State and Washington State. As a high school senior, he registered 72 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries after recording 104 tackles, five interceptions and 10 pass breakups as a junior.

Carter is one of eight portal additions so far for Clemson this week, and one of two safeties the staff has added to the roster.

Photo by Brian Bishop-Imagn Images