Brayden Boults is one of those exceptions to the rule.

Despite being a high school freshman last season, it was impossible to keep him off the field. The 2029 in-state running back split time with a junior in the Crestwood backfield, rushing for 743 yards while averaging more than five yards per carry.

Since moving to the Palmetto State several years back, Boults has been a regular attendee of Dabo Swinney’s high school camp, and this summer was no different. The 5-foot-9, 187-pounder worked out on the final day of the camp last weekend and was arguably the best player at the position to work out all week.

“It is most definitely different,” Boults told The Clemson Insider. “At Clemson, you get a lot more football. A lot of indies and getting better as an athlete. Most other camps, it is mostly times, 40s and all that. At Clemson, you get straight to it.”

Boults readily admits that he has the utmost respect for C.J. Spiller, and the Tigers’ running backs coach had nothing but good things to say about the workout.

“I got a lot of feedback from C.J. Spiller,” Boults added. “He said he liked my explosiveness, elusiveness, and how I have great footwork.”

Boults readily admits he has great admiration for Spiller, which dates back to his playing days. Boults said he’s spent time studying old film of one of Clemson’s best running backs of all-time.

“His play style and my play style are kind of similar,” Boults said. “I have really watched him, and that’s a great influence on me.”

Want to know what kind of potential Boults has? Just look at his list of offers. Despite having played just one season at the high school level and sharing carries, Boults already has close to 40 offers. South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Auburn NC State and Alabama are some of the offers he’s picked up this month.

However, he’s still a year away from an offer from Clemson. Swinney doesn’t generally offer players until the summer before the start of their junior seasons.

“I feel like it is a great way to know when I do get the offer that it is a commitable offer,” Boults said. “It just shows we a re going to keep building the relationship until that time comes.”

After meeting with Swinney while on campus, Boults is confident all he needs to do is remain patient, something he is more than willing to do.

“He was basically saying that I have to keep working and keep doing great things,” Boults said. “That when the time comes, they will definitely be calling.”

Boults also attended camps at Florida and Georgia. However, he’s not planning to work out at any more school camps this summer, seeing as he already has so many offers under his belt. He does plan on getting back to Clemson for a game this fall, although no date has been set.

For Boults, there is one thing at Clemson that sets it apart, and it’s something that has really piqued his interest.

“Their culture, I really love their culture,” Boults said. “They not only teach football, but they also teach the things you need in life. Being a dad, starting a family and giving you all of the valuables you need in life.”

And while he is still extremely early in the process, the talented running back knows what it is he is looking for in a school, and another thing he readily admits is that Clemson checks a lot of those boxes.

“A school that has a great education because the ball will go flat one day, so I am going to need a great education,” Boults said. “Someone who is not only going to teach football but also teach things you need in life. A place with a great community behind you and also a great area.”