Clemson coach Dabo Swinney once again tapped into his program’s gene pool in its own backyard for a commitment from 2027 CB Christian “PJ” Chancellor Jr. (5-10 162) of Daniel. Chancellor is the son of former Clemson defensive back Chris Chancellor, who is currently a member of the Clemson Police Department. The elder Chancellor played for Clemson from 2006-2010.
The younger Chancellor earned a Clemson offer following a camp showing in early June.
“The offer just felt great,” Chancellor said. “It was really a blessing and shows the work I’ve been putting in over the years. They have great academics, and it’s not just a football program. They will develop me over time and stuff like that. So, it was just a spot to be. At first I told my mom and my dad and my family.”
Chancellor was not being recruited this summer on the high major college level with the exception of the Clemson offer. He had also received offers from Central Michigan, Delaware, Southern Miss, East Tennessee State, Sacramento State and Howard. But that never mattered to him after getting the one offer he wanted the most, and that was from Swinney.
“I called coach Swinney and said, ‘I’m ready to commit coach.’ It’s been a lifelong dream and this program has everything I need. I’m ready to commit,” Chancellor said. “He was really excited. I feel free now. It’s been on my shoulders for at least a month now. and I just had to talked to God and my family a little bit and then it just told me now to pull the trigger,” he said. “I just feel freer now, and I don’t have anything like that on my shoulders. This was the way to go.”
Clemson cornerbacks coach Mike Reed is regarded as one of the best in the business, and Chancellor is excited about being developed by him.
“He coaches you tough, he coaches you (in camp), just like how he coaches college players,” he said. “He’s going to yell at you and stuff like that if you mess up. He’s not going to be nice to you, he’s going to teach you things.”
Last season, Chancellor earned All-Region honors with 41 tackles, five pass break ups and two interceptions. He also scored three touchdowns.
Chancellor is Clemson’s third commitment for the 2027 class joining QB Kharim Hughley and LB Max Brown.