CLEMSON — A North Carolina prospect is set to make his first visit to Clemson in the spring.

Three-star Keland Shelton Jr. (Providence, NC) has been in contact with multiple members of the Tigers’ coaching staff, including assistant Nolan Turner, who is expected to take on a larger role with the safeties in 2026.

Shelton talked with Turner via a phone call last week and was asked to visit this spring. He is also anticipating a call from linebackers coach Ben Boulware at some point this week. The staff views him as a hybrid-type linebacker in the Tigers’ scheme.

“They are getting done with the transfer portal and moving on to the 2027 class,” Shelton told The Clemson Insider. “So Coach Turner, I called him and we were talking about Clemson. We didn’t get into much detail about the program, but he let me know he liked my versatility, that he doesn’t see me primarily as a safety, but as a ballhawk athlete. Someone who needs to be around the ball.”

While Shelton got a great first impression of Turner over the phone, he’s looking forward to meeting him in person.

“A highly energetic coach,” Shelton said. “I would love to get to know more about him and form the relationship in person. So I can dial more into him in detail as a person.”

Shelton will get that chance in the spring, as he now has two visits set for Clemson. The first is scheduled for March 6, and he plans to return on March 28.

“Looking forward to learning more about the program,” Shelton said. “It will definitely be a blessing to step foot on campus just to look around. Many people don’t get this opportunity. I definitely look forward to learning more about the staff and the genuine relationships that they build.”

Shelton currently has more than a dozen offers, including Tennessee, Indiana, Kentucky, NC State, SMU and Wake Forest. One of the things he discussed during the call with Turner was the different approach Clemson takes when it comes to high school recruiting. Either way, Shelton is hoping that, at some point, the Tigers extend an offer.

“He informed me that it was a slow process,” he said. “It would definitely be a blessing. It would for sure make my day. But I guess we will just have to see until then. If not, it’s still good. I appreciate them reaching out, because like I said, not many people get this opportunity.”

He plans to visit Tennessee on January 24, and he will be at either Wake Forest or Virginia Tech on the 31st. He’s thinking Wake Forest will ultimately get that date. He is also hoping to get to Florida State at some point.

While Clemson may be one of the newer schools to get into the mix, Shelton has genuine interest, and the fact that the Tigers are coming off a 7-6 season doesn’t hinder their chances.

“At the beginning of the season, I was shocked to see how things were turning out for them,” Shelton added. “But it didn’t really shock in a way of me not being interested in the program because every school is going to have a year that they need to come back from.”