CLEMSON — After not signing a running back from the high school ranks during the previous recruiting cycle, Clemson needed to hit on one in the current one.

The Tigers only handed out offers to three backs in the 2028 class, with four-star Gary Walker being the third and final one. He picked up his offer from the Tigers back in March while attending the Elite Retreat. He would return later that month for a second spring visit.

Despite being the third player at the position to secure an offer, it became readily apparent late in the spring that Walker was the guy Clemson wanted. During the week leading up to his official visit, the 6-foot, 200-pound back realized he’d seen enough. He shut things down two weeks ago, announcing a commitment to the Tigers and canceling all of his other officials.

Attending Clemson’s big gathering last weekend only reinforced to Walker that he’d made the right decision.

“The entire weekend showed Clemson has a relationship culture with a detailed process environment,” Walker told The Clemson Insider. “Emphasis on Jesus Christ, relationships with the coaching staff, and the culture around the program.”

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.

Florida State, Auburn, Penn State, Stanford and Virginia Tech were the other finalists, with both Alabama and LSU attempting to get in late.

However, there was just something different about Clemson, and a big part of it is the culture that Dabo Swinney has cultivated inside his program.

“Dabo has established a culture that supports players on and off field goals, and developing young men,” Walker said.