“All-in” isn’t just a motto for the Clemson football team during the fall. It clearly applies to recruiting as well, considering that the bulk of the Tigers’ offensive staff conducted an in-home visit with a priority offensive line target in the 2025 class. Head coach Dabo Swinney, offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, offensive line coach Matt Luke, and receivers coach Tyler Grisham all stopped by Sumner High School (Riverview, Fla.) recently to say hello to tackle Ziyare Addison (6-5 270).
Addison, whose recruitment has taken off, has had plenty of company recently as FSU head coach Mike Norvell dropped by, as did Florida’s Billy Napier and Oregon’s Dan Lanning. Indiana, Tulane, Purdue and Syracuse also offered this week. Tennessee, Nebraska, UCLA, Oklahoma, Oregon, Missouri and Miami are some other offers.
This January has been different than a year ago for the multi-sport athlete.
“No, not what I’m used to. Last year, a lot of coaches stopped by, just wanted to see me, just to see my face, said they’ll get back with me,” Addison explained. “Now, it’s to the point where it’s multiple head coaches that’s coming through on a weekly day basis just to see me and me only. It’s just a blessing. It just shows how I’m one of the best players in the country and how all my hard work is paying off.”
The visit by the Clemson coaches was a highlight.
“Once again, it’s really a blessing. You know what I’m saying? I watched those guys growing up, watching the guys that you see on TV, they come in talking to you, face-to-face. It is crazy,” Addison gushed.
He notes that his offer list spans from coast-to-coast.
“It’s really great. It shows that I have a lot of options. A school, for example, like UCLA, Oregon, they don’t really recruit on this side of the country,” Addison discussed. “So, it’s really been blessing that they’re out here in the Tampa area, pushing kids to come out that way.”
Clemson’s message to Addison was simple and to the point.
“To keep God first as well as keep working and don’t change who you are, be who you are,” he said. “What sticks out to me, they only really give out about 50 offers. They’ve only given out about 50 so far. It’s rare that they offer kids like that. And it’s just because of their culture. And they don’t go for kids in the portal as well, and that stood out to me. They show that they can really develop kids to get to the next level.”
Luke sat down with Addison and showed him tape of his former protégé Laremy Tunsil, who now plays for the Houston Texans.
“I really like studying offensive tape myself. Him showing me my favorite player in all the football, him drilling and all of the hand placement techniques and all that type of stuff was cool to see,” said Addison. “It’s really cool seeing a player that I really love. I love watching. Now, I study him all the time. Coach Luke was really breaking down the tape and studying the tape and see where I can improve in my game. That really stood out to me as well.”
The Florida native has plans to see Penn State and Oregon this spring and he’s trying to find the perfect date to make a return trip to Clemson’s campus. If he doesn’t make it during the spring, he said he wants to take an official visit at some point.
Where do the Tigers stand?
“For sure, top five,” he said. “No question.”