DE JR Hardrick (6-6 235) of South Pittsburg, TN announced his commitment to Clemson late Thursday afternoon. Hardrick had been favoring Clemson strongly for a few months, ever since defensive ends coach Chris Rumph offered him in early May. He made his official visit last weekend, and that was that as far as he’s concerned.
“I loved it. It was great,” Hardrick said. “What stood out the most was all the love. They just embraced me. Everything was smooth. Everything is phenomenal there. Happy is so happy. There’s no way to be sad around them. They bring your mood all the way up.”
Hardrick said head coach Dabo Swinney explained to him why he thought Clemson was the best place for him.
“I just fit everything they want in a player,” Hardrick said. “Great kid. Great role model. They will help me prepare myself for not only football, but for myself on down the line after football, because football is not going to last forever.”
Hardrick had planned to take official visits to Georgia Tech and Louisville the next two weekends, but those are off now. He also had offers from Mississippi State, Kentucky, Appalachian State, Virginia, Wake Forest and others.
Hardrick is the 17th commitment for the Tigers’ 2026 class.