CLEMSON — Of the six offensive linemen Clemson signed last week, one of them has already made a strong impression on Dabo Swinney.

Four-star Chance Barclay (First Academy, FL) committed after the Elite Retreat in March, choosing the Tigers over Georgia, Florida and Oklahoma. That announcement came less than a year after Barclay made his first visit to campus.

Throughout the process, it’s fair to say Barclay made a lasting in impression on his new head coach.

“This kid, he is easily one of the most dynamic, charismatic young people that I have ever met in this whole entire recruiting process,” Swinney said on signing day. “One of the most mature 17-year-olds I have ever met.”

The 6-foot-4, 290-pound prospect ranks No. 166 overall at 247Sports and No. 7 among all interior linemen. Although Swinney sees Barclay potentially excelling at multiple spots up front.

“He has a ton of diversity to his game,” Swinney added. “There is a lot to love about Chance. Just thankful for him, the belief in our program and the alignment.”

Barclay first visited campus to work out at camp before the start of his junior campaign. He was so impressive that he earned an offer with that performance. And it was that visit that set the tone for the blue-chip talent’s recruitment.

“Definitely the culture,” Barclay told TCI after his very first visit. “I’ve heard so many things about it, but I hadn’t actually seen it. It’s different when it comes to culture. I, of course, got to experience Death Valley, the hill; it was amazing. The culture, it’s just… everything’s so different. It’s different to the point that culture is like the main thing there. That’s why coach Dabo Swinney is so respected. People see it, just through what he’s built at Clemson.”

Photo by Bart Boatwright