Clemson continues to benefit from last weekend’s gathering of 31 recruiting targets for official visits. The fourth of those visitors announced his commitment to the Tigers Wednesday in SAF Kylen Webb (6-1 180) of Sarasota, FL. He chose the Tigers over Florida State, Wake Forest and UCF.
The official visit was his second to Clemson. He came in for an unofficial visit in March with his dad, but he brought his mom in last weekend to see if she saw for him at Clemson what he saw. And she did.
“Originally, me, my dad, and my brother had gone up in March when I got the offer. And even though I was the only recruit there, I really loved it,” Webb said. “And I said I’ve got to get my mom to go with me and see this for herself, because I want her to be a part of it. So, in my head, I’m thinking this could be potentially it, but I have other visits planned for every weekend of June. So, in my head, I’m thinking I’m going to go to Clemson, I’m going to get my mom to see it, and then we’re going to go to our other official visits and come to a decision.”
Those other official visits, however, have been canceled because Webb and his mother heard everything they wanted to hear from Clemson coach Dabo Swinney.
“He introduced and talked about the incredible staff, the incredible men he had, and then even the players that he knew personally,” Webb said. “He really cares about his players and how he offers all his players a chance to come back. He has alumni on the coaching staff, everything just from the activities, the atmosphere, the school education, all of it, just really struck me. And I knew that’s where I want to be and that’s where I committed to, and that was home.”
There also was the Christian factor that came into play for Webb. He and his family are very strong in their faith, and they saw the same from Swinney and others at Clemson.
“My parents, we all are very religious. My dad is pastor. We have our own church and Dabo was explaining how religion is really a big factor at the school and how he’s a Christian man, putting God first,” Webb said. “That really struck my parents to see how he really talked about his players, knew each of their backgrounds individually and everything to show the relationship he has with them and also the education side all just came together. My parents said this is the school where I need to be.”
Webb is one of those football players identified in the recruiting world as an athlete because he can play multiple positions. He plays running back and safety for his high school. Clemson safeties coach Mickey Conn claimed him as his own once he got the news of the commitment.
“He was happy,” Webb said. “He was kind of shocked that I canceled all my other visits, and I committed so early. And he texted me today, too, saying it really made him happy that I believe in him and Clemson and what the school has offered for me.”
On defensive last season Webb totaled 19 tackles with two interceptions, and on offense he rushed for 425 yards and seven touchdowns. Webb is the eighth commitment for the Tigers 2023 class.
