TE Jake Briningstool (6-6 210) of Brentwood, TN had seen Clemson before as a camper back in June. Last Saturday was his first time inside Death Valley for a game. He picked a good one as the Tigers rolled over Texas A&M before a packed house of enthusiastic fans. Clemson was already in a good place with Briningstool prior to this visit and the Tigers further enhanced their chances with him due to his experience.

“I had heard all about it (Clemson’s tradition of running down the hill) and how cool it is but to actually see it live was pretty special,”  Briningstool said. “We ate and hung out with some of the other recruits. We talked to the coaches a little bit as they were coming through and then we went over and watch Tiger Walk. That was pretty cool to see. After Tiger Walk, my family and I went into Coach Swinney’s office for probably 10 minutes. We just talked and he was telling me how much of a priority I am to the class and how I’m the only tight end they’ve offered so far and I’m the one they wanted. That was a good conversation. Then, we hung out in the recruiting room for a little bit and we watch the warm-ups. After warmups, they took a couple of us over to the rock and we actually got to watch the team run in from the hill, so that was pretty cool.”

Briningstool is one of the nation’s top recruits in his class at tight end with offers from most Power Five programs. After this visit, he can see things coming into focus, in particular with four programs.

“Clemson is definitely at the top of my list right now. I would say Clemson, Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State,” he said. “Those are probably some of my top schools, but Clemson is definitely near the top. We have a good relationship with most of the coaches over there. I like it a lot. Me and Coach Pearman, since September 1st rolled around, he’s been sending me graphics. We have a pretty strong relationship. I like Coach Pearman a lot. He’s a real family guy and I really like that about him. He’s more of a father figure to the tight ends who are there now and I really, really like that about him.”

Last season Briningstool had 25 catches for 325 yards and a touchdown.