Recent Clemson Visit ‘Eye-Opening’ for Alabama Running Back
By: jasonpriester March 27, 2025

J’Alan Terry made his return to Clemson recently.

After two game-day visits back in the fall, the 2026 three-star running back (Coosa Christian, Gadsden, AL) was back on campus before the Tigers broke for spring break.

“The visit was pretty good,” Terry told The Clemson Insider. “I got to watch a live practice, so that was eye-opening, watching them competing and stuff. Then got to go into the film session with the running backs, and that was pretty nice.”

While Terry has visited multiple times now, this was his first time taking in an actual practice. Seeing Adam Randall starting to excel in his new role in the offense, the talented back came away feeling like he could be a really good fit in Garrett Riley’s scheme.

“I think I fit pretty well in it,” Terry said. “They just moved a receiver to running back so they can go to both and that is how I want to be used. That was a big eye-opener.”

Terry was accompanied on the trip by his father, and the two had an opportunity to spend some time with running backs coach C.J. Spiller.

“We watched film and stuff together,” Terry said. “Then we talked to him, me and my dad, for about 20 minutes.”

Not only does Spiller’s pedigree impress Terry, but now that he’s seen the Tigers’ fourth-year assistant in action, he’s confident Clemson is a place he’d be properly developed.

“He’s a great role model,” Terry added. “I would love to be coached by him. He is a man of God and knows what he is doing. I feel like he could develop me to where I want to be.”

Allen still plans to hit Arkansas, Kentucky and Vanderbilt this spring. The Wildcats and Commodores have offered, as has Georgia Tech.

“I mean, I want to get a degree,” Terry said. “But also getting to experience the field early. Just getting the ball in my hands. Whoever can get the ball in my hands, get me in space.”

Clemson has always been a school that has piqued Allen’s interest. Having previously resided in Tennessee, he always looked up to former Tiger Tee Higgins.

Allen is eyeing a return to Clemson in June for Dabo Swinney’s high school camp. Working out in front of the coaches might just pave the way for one of those hard-to-get offers.

“It would mean a lot,” Terry said. “I always liked Clemson growing up. Tee Higgins is not too far from where I live, and I have always looked up to him. I have kind of modeled my game after him a little bit. So it would definitely mean a lot. And then to be coached by C.J. Spiller, he is a great person and was a great Tiger.”