While we are still a couple of months out from Clemson starting to hand out 2025 offers, the Tigers hosted a number of rising juniors on campus last weekend.
One of those players was offensive lineman Mal Waldrep. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound prospect out of Phenix City, Alabama got to spend some time with Thomas Austin and came away overly impressed by Clemson's offensive line coach.
"Definitely spending time with coach Austin and learning about what he does specifically to develop his offensive lineman," Waldrep told All Clemson Tigers. "I also loved touring the facilities and seeing how special Clemson really is."
"Coach Austin and I have something going and I really enjoy spending time with him and learning about the program and learning his coaching ways."
While Waldrep already holds offers from Penn State and Georgia Tech, a number of big-time programs have started to show heavy interest of late. He plans to work out at a number of camps this summer, including a return trip to Clemson.
"Alabama has also been recruiting me hard, and I am kind of playing it by ear on spring visits," Waldrep said. "Lots of camps scheduled for this summer such as, Clemson, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn, and more on the way."
However, after his recent visit, and learning more about what Clemson has to offer, Waldrep is already high on the Tigers.
"I think of Clemson as one of my top choice schools, especially after seeing what they can do to better prepare you for what happens after football," Waldrep said. "Whether that be going to the NFL or just continuing on with life, they make sure you know how to be a leader in life, and I respect that."
"Receiving an offer from Clemson would make me feel very special. They really made it clear last weekend that they do not offer just anyone, and if they offer me that would mean something."
Clemson has had some recent success recruiting players out of the Phenix City area. Former receivers Justyn Ross and E.J. Williams went to high school there, as did current defensive end T.J. Parker. While Waldrep currently has no timeline for making a decision, there are a lot of things that the Tigers offer that match what it is he is looking for as he goes through the recruiting process.
"I look for a coaching staff that is going to take me under their wing and build me to be the best player and man I can be," Waldrep said. "I also look for the feeling of being family to the program and the players."
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