CLEMSON — It’s never too early to start looking ahead to the next recruiting cycle.
While much of the attention is on the efforts to put together the 2027 class, with spring practice underway, expect a lot of 2028 recruits to roll through campus throughout the month of March as well, including one of the top running backs in the class.
Three-star Jacez Walton (Central, GA) will visit on March 22, marking his third visit to campus. Walton last visited for the win over Florida State last season.
“It was crazy, I had a lot of teammates there,” Walton told The Clemson Insider. “It was a great atmosphere. My relationship with Coach (C.J.) Spiller built up a lot. I am just excited to get back up there.”
Being a member of the 2028 class means Spiller can not start contacting Walton directly until June 1. So this trip gives the talented back a chance to get some quality time with Clemson’s running backs coach.
“Really just connecting with Coach Spiller again,” Walton said. “He is a great coach. We have a great connection because he recruited my older brother when he was in high school.”
Walton’s older brother is Notre Dame true freshman Jonaz Walton, who was one of the top backs in the 2026 class. While Clemson never formally offered, Spiller did recruit the older brother.
Having a sibling who has already been through the process of a high-profile recruitment is proving to be beneficial for the younger Walton.
“I really just try and compare our situations,” Walton said. “What he did during this time to make sure I am on the right track as well.”
Walton ranks No. 174 overall in the 247 Composite Rankings and No. 11 among all running backs in his class.
Georgia and Tennessee are two schools recruiting Walton hard early on. Stanford is also in hot pursuit. Auburn, Georgia Tech, Miami, North Carolina, Oregon and Tennessee are some of the schools to have already offered.
While the Tigers won’t start offering players in his class until the summer, Walton is hoping he will ultimately land one, especially knowing how selective Clemson is
“It would really mean a lot because that means I would have an opportunity to play for Coach Spiller,” Walton said. “Clemson is a great school. Them offering me would show I have a lot of ability. They are really selective because they can get the good guys, and for me to be one of those people they want shows a lot.”
Spring Schedule
- Auburn: March 21
- Clemson: March 22
- Georgia: April 4
- Tennessee: April 7
- Virginia Tech: April 9
- North Carolina: April 10
- Notre Dame: April 25