As Jordan Young described it — a roller-coaster.
Clemson, North Carolina State, and Michigan have each led for the four-star SAF from Monroe (NC) High School. The Tigers were in the driver’s seat for much of the spring and into the summer and then closed strong with Young after multiple visits back to Death Valley this fall.
The No. 19-ranked SAF in the Rivals250 saw Clemson eight times in total. On November 2 — two years removed from landing his first Division I offer — he made it official by declaring for the Tigers.
Each visit fueled more confidence in his decision.
“It’s been a roller-coaster,” Young told Rivals. “These last visits between N.C. State, Michigan, and Clemson have been so important. Since going on my official visits through the whole season, those three schools separated (themselves). The teams have changed two or three times, but I made this decision, I sat down with my family, I prayed to God, and I made the best decision to put myself in a position to achieve great things.”
“Everything I need is there,” he said of Clemson. “It’s not too far from home and they don’t have much depth in the secondary. They’re just so consistent. Their games are nationally televised. They take good care of their players. They don’t use the transfer portal, so I know going there I can work hard and my chances of being on the field is pretty high.”
Clemson SAF coach Mickey Conn and head coach Dabo Swinney were among numerous members of the staff to carve out roles in leading the 6-foot, 185-pound SAF to Death Valley.
“They told me don’t be scared to be great,” Young said. “Just keep the main thing the main thing, and everything else will take care of itself … I definitely wanna get on the field, get out there, and get comfortable early. I wanna make a name for myself as soon as possible.”
After eight visits to campus, Young is well-adjusted to the culture around campus and inside the Clemson football program.
He deemed himself a perfect fit.
“The Clemson culture is definitely unique and I fit in pretty well. I have good relationships with everyone on the staff.”
“Clemson is a unique place, with great developers not only on the field but off the field as well. It’s always a good time when I get down there,” he continued. “The coaches are real, they’re transparent, and they’ve been patient with me this whole process.”
