To this point, Clemson has offered just three linebackers in the 2028 class.
While four-star Camden Noe (Portage Central, MI) is not one of those three, he is a prospect that Ben Boulware is keeping close tabs on.
To this point, the 6-foot-4, 215-pounder has mostly played running back at the high school level, but he will be making the move to linebacker for his junior campaign. Noe originally planned to camp at Clemson back in June, so Boulware could get a look at him in person, but a toe injury kept him from attending any camps this summer.
Despite not being able to make it to campus, Noe is hearing from Boulware on a pretty frequent basis these days.
“I would say we are messaging or calling every day,” Noe told The Clemson Insider. “I have been sending in a lot of clips from some linebacker stuff because I don’t have a whole lot of linebacker film right now. I primarily played running back last year, but this year I will be filling in the middle linebacker role. So, I am just giving coach Boulware a head start on what I have been working on. But yeah, it has been steady conversation. Just building that relationship.”
The move to linebacker has been a smooth one. However, after rushing for more than 1,800 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per carry and scoring 21 touchdowns as a sophomore last season, Noe is not completely done playing running back either.
“It has been great,” Noe added. “Honestly, I love the linebacker position. I feel like that is where I am meant to play. Definitely a different mindset over there. But I have been loving it. All good things. I think I am transitioning really well. I have been really comfortable with what I am doing. I will still be playing a little bit of running back this year. Kind of 100% on defense, then as much as I can handle on the offensive side.”
Michigan, Louisville, Notre Dame and Wisconsin represent a handful of the more than a dozen offers Noe already has. Some other schools he’s hearing a lot from that have yet to offer include Texas A&M, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Ohio State and Nebraska.
As far as Clemson goes, the blue-chip talent knows the Tigers take things much slower. In fact, that is part of the message he is hearing from Boulware.
“Obviously, you know Clemson’s process is really slow and detailed,” Noe said. “That has kind of been his main message and that I am a priority guy for them. But he said they take their time. Also the film thing. He knows I am an athlete and can play football well, but I do think he wants to see a little bit of film on me at the position. But more than anything, it has been about the process and how slow they take things when it comes to really getting to know the kid. Having all the coaches meet the kid so they know that is definitely a player they want to be coaching. But I do think it has been going really well. Steady contact.”
Another part of the message from Boulware is that there is a lot of interest on the Tigers’ end. And there is just as much interest on Noe’s end. He does already have the visit box check since he camped at Clemson as an eighth grader.
Even still, he’s planning to get back down for a game this fall. That is how badly he wants the offer from Clemson.
“It would mean the world, honestly,” Noe said. “Clemson has always been a dream school of mine. I love what coach Dabo is doing down there. Love the area down there. South Carolina is beautiful. Again, that is a dream school of mine and to get an offer would mean the world, especially knowing the limited number of offers they throw out. That would be a big-time thing and I am super-excited for that day to come. Excited to get down for a game in the fall for sure. That is a visit we are definitely going to make a priority.”
Noe is considered one of the better prospects in his class. Rivals slots him at No. 68 overall, regardless of position, and as the second-best ATH in the nation. He’s bound to generate even more interest as he gets into his junior season when there is some more film of him playing linebacker.
As far as a decision timeline, he’s in no rush. The plan is to take more visits this fall, more in the spring, and then a few officials next summer. So, there is still plenty of time for the Tigers to make their move.
What he’s looking for is more traditional. He wants to go somewhere he can play for the name on the front of the jersey, more so than the one on the back. The money aspect won’t play much of a factor in the decision, because Noe believes as long as he continues to do what he’s supposed to do, that part will take care of itself.
“Obviously, that is a blessing to get. Because that is a huge thing,” Noe said. “But I would say you work for what you get. I am just going to do my best, and wherever I end up rankings-wise, the money will take care of itself. For decision-making, that is going to be the least of my concerns. I am a true believer in you play football because you love the game. Because you love the sport. You love the school that you are going to play for. So, not a deal-breaker at all, but it will be a blessing, whatever I do get.”
