Just days ahead of his scheduled commitment on Friday, Clemson running back target Andrew Beard worked out at the Under Armour Next camp in Charlotte on Sunday.

To me, the four-star was the best looking back on the field. Beard is really put together, particularly his lower half, and he is a smooth runner. However, it was his route-running skills that really caught my eye. He routinely made some of the linebackers and safeties that were trying to cover him look silly. He also has really soft hands.

After speaking with multiple sources over the past couple of days, I believe this has come down to a battle between Florida and Clemson. The Gators have made a really strong push of late and are very much a realistic contender. Beard really likes the energy of the new coaching staff in place under head man Jon Sumrall.

As far as Clemson, it’s the culture in place that really resonates with the blue-chip back. The Tigers had fallen out of favor by the end of last year, but new offensive coordinator Chad Morris has played a huge role in getting Clemson back in the thick of it. He’s really sold Beard on the Tigers getting back to running the ball with him back at the helm of the offense.

While he is set to announce in less than a week, as of Sunday afternoon, Beard had yet to inform any coaching staff that he’d made a decision. That would include Georgia and Tennessee, the other two finalists. With his announcement set to take place ahead of official visits, the running back will only take one, and it will go to the school he chooses.

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.