Over the past couple of months, the Clemson coaching staff zeroed in on one running back it really wanted in the 2027 class and the Tigers now have that guy in the fold.

Four-star Gary Walker (Creekside, GA) announced a commitment to the Tigers on Wednesday, choosing Clemson over other schools including Florida State, Auburn, Penn State, Stanford and Virginia Tech. In total, the 6-foot, 200-pound back had close to three dozen offers, with Alabama and LSU being a couple of the schools that tried to get in late.

Walker was originally planning to take all of his official visits, which included a trip out west to Stanford this weekend. However, he would ultimately decide he’d seen enough and that he was ready to shut it down.

“I trusted the process,” Walker told The Clemson Insider. “Gathering detailed decision making information from each school prior to OVs was part of my recruiting process.”

Walker first visited Clemson for the Elite Retreat in March, then returned for a second visit later in the month while spring practice was still ongoing. Those two visits provided the blue-chip back with more than enough intel to make an informed decision.

“I started this recruiting process with a private non negotiable’s list and a positive mindset,” Walker said. “This choice is supporting my non negotiable’s list. Clemson has a relationship culture with a detailed process environment. Emphasis on Jesus Christ, relationships with the coaching staff, the culture around the program and a culture that supports players on and off field goals, and academics.”

At the same time, one thing that really helped push the Tigers over the top was his relationship with the coaching staff. Not only has he developed a strong bond with running backs coach C.J. Spiller, but what was developed between himself and new offensive coordinator Chad Morris really separated Clemson from the rest of the pack.

“A lot of the schools I was considering had great offenses, but the relationship with Coach Morris as the OC and him talking to my coaches about schemes and processes for me was what separated Clemson,” Walker added.

As a junior, Walker rushed for 1,669 yards with 20 touchdowns, helping lead his team to a 4A state title. 247 Sports and Rivals both rank him as one of the eight best backs in the class, with Rivals slotting him No. 131 overall.

With his recruitment now behind him, Walker is anxious to officially become a member of the Clemson family.

“The Clemson fans have received a down to earth, well balanced and focused family member.”

Photo courtesy of Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider