An elite recruit has sent a strong message to the Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers after picking up an offer from them.
The Clemson Tigers have not been all that effective on the recruiting trail in recent years, at least not compared to how dominant they once were.
Dabo Swinney's old-school recruiting methods have been widely scrutinized in the new NIL era, and much of the criticism is valid.
After all, Clemson has not won a playoff game since December 2019, and it went just 7-6 this past season, falling to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl.
So any time the Tigers can get their hands on a top recruit these days, they have to seize the opportunity, and they appear to be doing that with four-star defensive end Santana Harvey.
Clemson made an offer to Harvey — a class of 2027 prospect — earlier this month, and apparently, the Tigers' coaching staff feels that the Lakeland, Fl. product could instantly impact the team upon arrival.
Harvey was asked about Clemson recently, and he told TigerNet that one of his biggest sticking points is immediate playing time.
"That’s a huge factor, that’s probably my No. 1 factor," Harvey said. "I’m looking to get on the field as early as possible."
Clemson Tigers coach Dabo Swinney. Credit: The Independent Mail via Imagn Images.While Harvey's message was loud and clear, he qualified his statement by saying he understands he will need to earn his keep, as well.
"I know I’ll have to earn it and climb my way up the depth chart," Harvey added. "I want to work hard and get on the field early and get as much film out there as I possibly can. The goal is to get three years in college and go to the NFL Draft."
Harvey is the 36th-ranked defensive lineman in his class and the 37th-ranked prospect in the state of Florida, via 247 Sports' composite rankings.
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound defender has received 33 offers in total, but he currently appears to be favoring Clemson.
"I would say Clemson, for sure," Harvey said. "Clemson has done a great job of recruiting me for over a year now. They started recruiting me in January of my sophomore year, and they’ve stayed true to it every since then."
Florida State, Georgia, Indiana, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas A&M and Notre Dame, among others, have made offers to Harvey.
Harvey has an official visit with Clemson scheduled for May 29.
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