Despite having yet to lock up a tight end in the 2027 class, Clemson is already exploring some options when it comes to the next recruiting cycle.

2028 three-star Lee Steele (Orange Beach, AL) was on campus for the Spring Elite Day in April. The 6-foot-6, 217-pound prospect was one of just three tight ends on hand for the event.

He plans to be back on June 6 to work out at Dabo Swinney’s high school camp.

“You know it is Clemson, you know it is Dabo Swinney and you know it is a program that is going to be successful,” Steele recently told TCI. “But with their process, if you commit, they shut down their recruitment of other guys. That just sets off a bunch of relief for a high school kid. But Clemson is the most authentic place I have been to.”

Steele has seen his recruitment take off in recent weeks. Virginia Tech and Mississippi State are two of his most recent offers. Alabama, Florida, Auburn, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Kentucky have all offered as well.

As a sophomore, he reeled in 25 catches for 341 yards with one touchdown. He also picked off two passes and recovered a fumble on the defensive side of the ball.

Rivals ranks Steele as the 13th-best tight end in the 2028 class. When the Tigers start handing out offers to players at the position in the next class, Steele could be a name worth following.

Photo courtesy of Lee Steele on X (formerly known as Twitter)