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Ayden Cain’s first-ever visit to Clemson was a productive one.
The 3-star DL (Dutchtown, Hampton, Ga) attended Dabo Swinney’s high school camp the first week of June and came away knowing much more about the program than he did going in. And seeing how his uncle, Harold Cain, played football for the Tigers back in the 1970’s, he already knew plenty going in.
“Gaining the opportunity to build relationships with staff members and players,” Cain told The Clemson Insider. “Being able to get a feel of program structures, and campus culture. I also really like that, at some schools, I was met by the recruiting staff and guided through registration. I also liked having the opportunity to perform in the top camp groups to showcase my skills. I really love camp drills and one-on-ones.”
Cain received plenty of personal attention from defensive assistants Nick Eason and Chris Rumph and was more than happy with the feedback.
“Coach Eason and Coach Rumph both complimented my performance,” Cain said. “They said that I did great. They do want me to continue to develop my second moves.”
Wake Forest and Duke are the first two Power-5 schools to have offered. NC State, Coastal Carolina, and SMU are also showing plenty of interest of late. However, with coaches now able to contact recruits in the 2026 class directly, Cain’s recruitment is bound to start gaining more traction, and one of the goals is earning an offer from the school his uncle played at.
“While I’m working hard, I do believe that I am one of the top defensive players in the nation, regardless of if every school agrees with it at this time,” Cain said. “An offer from Clemson University would mean everything to me and I would love for that to happen. It would also mean a lot to my uncle who is a Clemson football alum.”
Another visit to campus is something Cain is absolutely looking forward to.
“I can not wait to get back up there,” he said.
As for making a decision, Cain said that isn’t likely to happen before next summer, but as he continues this journey, there are some very specific things he is looking for in his college destination.
“Genuine connections and how I fit into their defensive schemes,” Cain said. “Them being academically good in my major, having a family feel, and having high academic supports and high graduation rates for the athletes in their respective program.”