Dabo Swinney and the Clemson staff have begun to lay down the foundation of the 2027 class. One target who Clemson sees as perhaps a building block is defensive lineman Xavier Perkins (6-3, 240) of Durham, NC. He visited the Tigers March 29th for a spring practice.
Plenty of top programs agree, as he’s being pursued by Florida State, North Carolina, Ole Miss, and Virginia Tech, just to name a few.
While Clemson hasn’t extended an offer, and wouldn’t until the beginning of the summer, they’ve done plenty of homework on how Perkins could fit into the program. Just ask Nick Eason.
Eason has been the conductor of Perkins’ recruitment, bringing him in for a visit during his freshman year as well, and that relationship has continued to grow.
“Last year, Coach Eason had me come down for a visit, and that’s when it first started,” Perkins said. “Coach (Da’Quan) Bowers, Coach (Corey) Crawford, and Coach Eason are very good dudes and take time to know you as a person and an athlete.”
When asked about the visit, Clemson’s culture has remained a top standout among the 2027 visitors. For Perkins, that “family-oriented” atmosphere stood out, with the coaching and player leadership not too far from the center of his impressions.
With this being one of several visits, the Durham native understands what Clemson’s culture and standards look like and will turn his attention to a potential offer. Should Clemson extend an offer, Perkins will see it as an endorsement of not just the kind of player he is, but the person he has become.
“I visited Clemson a few times and learned about the program, so if I do receive an offer for Clemson, it’ll mean a lot,” he explained. “It will be because they believe in me, and also because of the wonderful academic and football program at Clemson University.”
Perkins hasn’t finalized his summer plans, but a return to Clemson is one he hopes is on the calendar
This spring Perkins has also visited North Carolina, Duke, Elon and Liberty. Some of his other offers include Ole Miss, Florida State, North Carolina, East Carolina, Duke and Virginia Tech.
Last season Perkins had 41 solo tackles with 14 tackles for loss, seven sacks and 31 quarterback hurries.