Clemson and some top talent from Texas have become quite chummy over the last five years, and the Tigers are making their presence known again in the Lonestar State by becoming one of the favorites for CB Corian Gipson (5-11 170) of Lancaster. He recently identified Clemson as one of his final five along with Ohio State, Texas, TCU and Alabama.
Gipson was in for an unofficial visit in late March, and he returned last weekend for the spring game where his relationship with Dabo Swinney and Mike Reed continued to develop.
“My impression of Coach Swinney and Coach Reed is off the charts,” Gipson said. “I enjoyed talking with them. They are just good coaches overall and coaches that I can be developed and coached by. I love Clemson already. The vibes were just right there. It was a feeling I can’t explain.”
Like most of the top targets identified by Swinney, Gipson was recruited slowly by the Tigers. He wasn’t offered until his March visit. But since then, the intensity has increased.
“The message from Coach Swinney was that they don’t offer a lot of guys,” Gipson said. “They never come out with the No. 1 recruiting class because that’s not what they want, but they are consistent with winning and with their coaches. Coaches like Coach Reed being there for eleven years, and Coach Swinney being there for seventeen years.”
Gipson also is a track standout with a 100-meter time of 10.73. He said Reed wants him at corner because he wants to put that speed to good use.
“They told me you can’t coach speed,” Gipson said. “Everything else will come, but they see me playing corner and guarding the man in front of me.”
Gipson is set for an official visit to Clemson June 2nd. He has also set official visits to Alabama. June 9th and Texas June 23rd. His extensive offer list also includes Penn State, Arkansas, Colorado, Tennessee, LSU, Florida State, Auburn, Notre Dame, Miami, Ohio State, Southern Cal, Oregon and Notre Dame.
