CLEMSON — Dabo Swinney held his annual football camps the past two weeks, housing hundreds of high school students eager to work on their game, while also getting some exposure in front of college coaches.

With dozens of current Tigers and coaches on the field leading drills and encouraging students, parents on the sidelines watching their players work, and the players grinding on the turf, the camp provided an experience for all in attendance.

One such experience comes from a rising sophomore quarterback from Radford, Virginia, named Luke Gaither. A talented thrower for the Radford High School Bobcats, Gaither’s freshman year was truly just the beginning of the rest of his high school career.

The Bobcats took down the state of Virginia, winning the State Championship after going 15-0 on the season. Gaither played in every varsity game, but his playing time was cut short by their starter, whose talents led the way to the Bobcats’ success.

Now entering the 2024 season, Gaither finds himself able to take the starting role and lead the Bobcats on his own accord. Even with competition against another senior for the starting role, Gaither possesses the talent to take the job.

His pocket presence is exceptional, with clean footwork in his strides and a high elusive factor. He has excellent field vision and good eyes on the field, and his height speaks for itself at 6-foot-3.

While Gaither has experience training at the quarterback position, being taught by Baylin Trujillo, a top training coach who has experience working with quarterbacks like prospect Brady Hart, he wanted to make a point to come to Clemson for Dabo’s camp to grow his game and prepare himself for the upcoming season.

“It was a great camp. One of my favorites to go to, and I always look forward to coming,” Gaither said. “I enjoyed the drills they had us do. They did a great job organizing the whole camp.”

“I think Dabo is one of the greatest coaches of all time,” he added. “He has such a big impact on his players with his words.”

With him at camp was his fellow teammate and best friend Reece Honaker, a sophomore defensive lineman for the Bobcats. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Honaker is a foundational anchor for the Bobcats on both sides of the ball, as he occasionally plays on the offensive line.

With massive bursts of speed and a great build as a sophomore, Honaker shows massive promise within his team and his future football career. His high motor on the field and powerful strides exemplify his talent, and the camp allowed him many more opportunities and drills to excel.

Talented players, great teammates, and childhood best friends, their passion and drive to participate and work hard at Dabo’s camp shows fantastic drive and commitment to their friendship and position on the field.

“We’ve been best friends since we were four or five years old,” Gaither said. “He is one of the most physical guys on the field and one of the nicest guys off the field.”

Not only does the Dabo Swinney Football Camp create the opportunity for players to develop and grow with their game, but it also allows friends to work and compete with each other and deepen relationships. Luke and Reece are fantastic examples of what the camp is all about.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!