One of Clemson’s running back targets is shutting it down sooner than expected.

Four-star Andrew Beard (Bogart, GA) is set to announce a commitment next Friday, May 8, before the start of his official visits. The 5-foot-10, 198-pound back will choose between Clemson, Tennessee, Florida and Georgia.

Beard has visited Clemson several times over the past year or so, including two stops to campus during the spring. One of those was for the Elite Retreat in early March. Running backs coach C.J. Spiller also made a stop by his school recently.

“I feel like, right now, for me, Clemson is definitely in my top two,” Beard told TCI after the Elite Retreat. “Just because of the relationship I have built with Coach (Chad) Morris over the past couple of months. And seeing the practice, how they use the running backs, and how versatile he is as a play caller. I feel like that is the main part of it and why Clemson is so high for me.”

As a junior, the 5-foot-10, 192-pound back rushed for close to 1,300 yards, with 13 touchdowns. He went over 100 yards six times and averaged 7.8 yards per carry. He also reeled in 31 receptions for 450 yards, with five touchdown grabs.

247 ranks Beard No. 163 overall and No. 8 among all running backs in the 2027 class.

Photo courtesy of Dawson Powers