One of Clemson’s top two quarterback targets has released his top schools list.

Four-star Trace Hawkins (Calhoun, GA) told TCI his six finalists on Tuesday, with Clemson, LSU, Virginia Tech, Duke, Vanderbilt and Kentucky all making the cut.

The 6-foot signal-caller made his first visit to Clemson last fall for the Duke game. He then visited for the spring game, as well as the Spring Elite Day before returning the first week in June to work out at Dabo Swinney’s high school camp.

About three weeks later, Hawkins became one of the first two quarterbacks in the 2028 class to pick up an offer from the Tigers.

“It felt great, honestly,” Hawkins recently told TCI. “It was just a blessing. Making it even better, coach Swinney called me. That means that they truly want this to work. It was just great.”

A week ago, Hawkins also told TCI it was Clemson and LSU that were setting the pace at this point. Hawkins picked up his offer from LSU just before going public with his offer from Clemson.

“The relationships. We talk to both schools daily,” Hawkins said. “I love those offenses and how they use their quarterback, and the development they have had.”

Regarding a timeline for making a decision, Hawkins said he’d like to have one made before the end of the coming season, but that isn’t definitive. He is hoping to take a few more visits in the fall before shutting things down. Barring a change, one of those visits will be to Baton Rouge for the Tigers’ season-opener against LSU.

As a sophomore last season, he threw for 2,442 yards with 24 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He also had three rushing touchdowns.

247Sports ranks Hawkins as the 16th best quarterback in the class.