The Clemson Insider recently caught up with a priority local target who has been a frequent traveler to Tiger Town this year.

Greenville (S.C.) High School four-star offensive lineman Blake Franks made several visits to Clemson over the course of this season, most recently for the South Carolina game on Nov. 26.

“The highlight of the Clemson vs. South Carolina game that I had was getting to see the rivalry game in person for the first time,” he told TCI.

Franks, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound junior in the 2024 class, also attended Clemson’s games against NC State and Syracuse in October. He made a midweek trip to campus in the second week of November as well.

What did the top-250 national prospect hear from Clemson offensive line coach Thomas Austin when he was back on campus for the South Carolina game?

“I was able to hear how important Coach Austin thought I was as a recruit,” Franks said.

Franks also went to South Carolina for a game in September, then returned to Columbia for another visit a couple of weekends ago.

“It was nice to finally get to see the academic side of South Carolina and what they will have to offer,” he said.

Franks, who holds offers from both the Gamecocks and the Tigers among his dozen-plus total offers, is getting closer to a commitment. He had previously been hoping to make his college decision this month but has pushed that timeline back a little bit.

“I’m looking to make a decision in January or early February right now,” he said.

Where does Clemson currently stand with him?

“The Clemson Tigers I think are a top 3 in my opinion,” he said.

Franks is ranked as the No. 250 overall prospect in the country for the 2024 class by Rivals, which considers him the No. 8 offensive guard nationally and the No. 4 prospect in the Palmetto State regardless of position.

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