After not taking a running back in the last recruiting cycle, Clemson went out and signed Chris Johnson Jr. from the transfer portal.
After not landing a high school back in 2026, the Tigers are intent on getting one this go around. Right now, there are two targets worth really monitoring. There are three offers out, but four-star in-stare back Tre Segarra (Byrnes) was always a long shot, and while he did attend the Elite Retreat, an official visit doesn’t appear likely at this point.
The other two are four-star Andrew Beard (Prince Avenue Christian, GA) and four-star Gary Walker (Creekside, GA). Both Top 10 backs nationally. Beard has been on the radar for quite some time. He’s been a frequent visitor, having made two stops at Clemson this spring alone.
Florida, Georgia and Tennessee are the other main players and are scheduled to get officials along with Clemson. However, Georgia already has two running backs committed, including five-star Kemon Spell and Tennessee has running backs higher on its board. That leaves Florida, which might end up being the biggest competition. Beard is fresh off a visit to Gainesville.
Walker picked up his offer from Clemson during the Elite Retreat in early March. He returned on March 26, telling The Clemson Insider he sat in on some team meetings and watched a spring practice. Stanford, Penn State, Florida State and Virginia Tech are set to get official visits, along with Clemson.
With the Tigers pursuing both, there have been questions surrounding whether the staff would take both players. Walker told TCI that he’s under the impression that it is a first-come, first-served type of deal, although he also added that he was aware plans can change and that you never know until signing day.
TCI also touched base with Beard, who said he was under the impression the Tigers might consider taking both.
Taking just one of the two could help with the chances of landing one at some point. While players tend not to shy away from competition, being the only back signed in the class certainly can’t be seen as a negative.
Another thing to consider is the money aspect. Why invest that kind of money in two high-quality high school running backs, considering what you already have in the room? The safe bet is that Clemson only takes one, and if they were to take a second, it would be a move they would make later in the cycle and with a back that won’t command a high price tag.
Photo courtesy of Dawson Powers