The recruitment opened back up for a key target in the 2025 class and the Clemson Tigers wasted no time making their efforts clear.

Four-star safety Tae Harris decommitted from Georgia Jan. 21, and Clemson pounced with an offer a day later. The Tigers are yet to add a piece to the secondary in the 2025 class even with the massive success early.

That could change with a pledge from Harris, and he caught up with The Clemson Insider to talk about his latest visit from the Clemson staff.

“Coach Swinney just told me how many how much they needed me. Tells me how good of a player I am and tells me where I fit in this team. I can come in and play really stuff like that. Coach Conn.  you know, he’s been recruiting me for some months now. I’m the number one safety on his board because my versatility, my length, stuff like that. Coach Wes Goodwin tells me im the safety he’s been looking for these past few years,” Harris said.

Following his discussion about the coaches’ messages, Harris was quick to mention Khalil Barnes. The two faced off in their high school plays far into the bracket, often guarding each other on either side of the ball and a relationship was built by competition.

Barnes has in a hand in the recruiting process, and he’s been pushing for Harris to join the Tigers just as much as the coaching staff.

“We just became like brothers, since he’s been in college, stuff like that. So he’s been telling me they needed me, they really want me on their board, number one safety… So for the longest, he wanted me to decommit,” Harris said

It’s still early in this re-opened process for Harris, but he’s planning to take the official visit to Clemson. He says the Tigers are “pretty high” at this stage, but the opportunity to play early plays a large factor in his decision.

There’s still work to be done, but Clemson is circling Harris as a key target for the secondary in 2025.

Photo courtesy of Tae Harris(@taeharris27) on X