Clemson has offered less than ten wide receivers in the 2024 class and Alex Taylor was the very first to pick one up.
The 4-star wideout, out of Grimsley High, N.C. has visited multiple times over the past year, with the most recent coming just before the end of spring practice and being the recipient of that first offer is something that has always stood out.
"It's definitely meaningful being the first receiver offered," Taylor told All Clemson Tigers. "It's kind of crazy to think about."
From the moment he picked up that offer, the Clemson coaching staff has let him know that he is a priority.
"They definitely let me know that I'm wanted," Taylor said. "Every time I go down there, coach Swinney is asking when I'm gonna commit. He also tells me to enjoy the recruitment process, but also lets me know that I am wanted at Clemson."
Being one of the top players in the state of North Carolina, Taylor is a heavily sought-after prospect. He is now approaching the 20 offer mark, with schools like Penn State, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia Tech and Florida also in pursuit.
However, Taylor has done his best to remain humble throughout his recruitment and going through the process has given him a better appreciation of the opportunities that lie ahead.
"What God gives you, he can also take away," Taylor said. "Being humble. Never take anything for granted, thinking I'm bigger than what I am. Keeping in mind that I always have to keep working. Everybody across the country is working as well. So gotta keep that dog mentality and that work mindset and managing time at school. This is what I wanted my whole life, to get offers and stuff like that. So it's just another step. College is gonna be even more busy with workouts, two a days, stuff like that. So kind of getting used to it now and I feel like it will help me in the future as well."
"Some people I never thought I would ever talk to, like Dabo Swinney. Me growing up, just seeing what he's been able to do. It's pretty crazy."
After his most recent visit to Clemson, Taylor also has a better idea of what the Tigers' new offense is going to look like under coordinator Garrett Riley.
"I could tell early that there were gonna be a lot of deeper shots, double moves, stuff like that," Taylor said. "A lot more route concept to get the receivers more involved. Been talking with coach Grisham about how much he loves the offense, how he feels the receivers can play a bit more freely and produce even more as they have been in the past. What coach Riley did at TCU last year with Quentin Johnston, I feel like a lot of the receivers from Clemson this year can produce just like that."
As it stands right now, Taylor plans to take a round of official visits in June before making a decision. He has dates set with North Carolina, NC State and Virginia Tech, along with Clemson and is considering taking one to Florida. He's hoping that last round of stops will help tell him where he fits in best.
"Somewhere I know I can get developed on the field and make it to the next level," he said. "Somewhere I can produce. Everywhere is going to be competition at the receiver position, but somewhere I feel like that I'm actually wanted. A family atmosphere on and off the field so I know that I feel comfortable there."
Want to join in on the discussion? 100% FREE! Interact with fellow Tiger fans and hear directly from publisher Zach Lentz, deputy editor Brad Senkiw, recruiting analyst Jason Priester and staff writer Will Vandervort on any subject. Click here to become a member of the ALL CLEMSON message board community today!
Do us a HUGE favor and like, subscribe and follow us on social media:
►LIKE us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allclemson
►SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/AllClemson
►FOLLOW All Clemson on Twitter:https://twitter.com/All_Clemson