One of the best in the 2026 class is already off the board.
Shavar Young, the No. 10-ranked Rivals250 athlete in next year’s recruiting cycle out of Knoxville (Tenn.) Weber, committed to Clemson on Friday.
The electric 6-foot, 175-pounder from Tennessee State had a strong two-day stretch, visiting Miami and then Clemson last weekend. The trip back to Death Valley changed the timeline for his decision and inspired Young to stop procrastinating.
“I originally planned to commit on December 12, but after my last visit, I had a hunch and was ready to pull the trigger,” Young said opponent. “I like the way Clemson is run and I’m happy with this decision.”
Young’s early support of the Tigers has been a long time in the making.
Clemson staff have been building a relationship with one of Tennessee’s top students since he started eighth grade. Dabo Swinney and cornerbacks coach Mike Reed Since then, they have continued to deepen their relationship with Young.
“I’m a good fit for the Clemson culture,” he began. “The winning culture fits me. Their players are not only winning and successful on the field, but winning off the field as well.”
“Their goal of developing players is a good fit for me,” Young continued. “It was a perfect game. You could really tell Dabo cared about his players and doing the right thing for them.”
The talented four-star defensive back likes the way he looks on and off the field at Clemson.
Young understands the culture under Swinney and believes the Tigers will put him in the best position to reach his ceiling.
“I’ve had a relationship with Clemson since eighth grade, so I know the criteria for access,” he explained.
“Meeting with Coach Swinney and Coach Reed solidified my decision,” Young noted. “They have proven proven ability to develop players and get them to the NFL. They develop you off the field as well.”
