Former Byrnes running back and in-state legend Marcus Lattimore recently stated in a podcast that he had actually committed to Clemson in 2009 before eventually signing with South Carolina. That was one heated recruiting battle between the two programs. Another one is brewing for another Byrnes running back, 2027 David Segarra (5-10 205).
“I grew up a Carolina fan, but I’m really getting to know the Clemson fans and the people of that community,” Segarra said. “There’s not as big a difference as a lot of people think. I’ve got to give everybody a fair shot. I haven’t really been leaning towards one side or the other.”
Clemson and South Carolina, however, are not in this contest alone. Segarra has also drawn offers from Indiana, Florida, Stanford, Syracuse, Maryland, Duke, Georgia, Boston College, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, UCF, Michigan and others. He visited Florida last weekend.
“Obviously, I’m blessed. I don’t take any of that for granted,” Segarra said. “I’ve got SEC schools looking at me, some ACC schools. A lot of great people, a lot of great coaches. I’m grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to what the future holds.
“I talk to the running back coaches. Coach (De’Rail) Sims (Tennessee), Coach CJ Spiller, Coach (Marquel) Blackwell at Carolina. I also have a pretty good relationship with Zach Propp at Carolina. I consider him a good friend. And I talk a lot to Coach (Malcolm) Agnew at Stanford. He’s given me a lot of insight on the running back position and how he teaches the game.”
Segarra has been to games this season at USC, Clemson, Tennessee and Florida. He is going to Florida State in November, and will make return trips to USC and Clemson. He plans to be in Columbia for the Palmetto Bowl, and will also try to see some other schools as well. As he checks out the programs, there’s one aspect of college life that is high up on his list.
“My education is important. That’s the way I was raised,” Segarra said. “Life after football is a big thing for me in my recruitment. I want somebody who can also develop me as a football player as well as a person. Somebody who has experience putting guys out. Any football player, the goal is the NFL and that’s where I want to go one day. Also, what’s my life going to look like after that. Those are two things that I look for in my recruitment. I’m big on family. I want my family to be able to come and see me play every once in a while. Those types of things are things that are important to me.”
What’s also important to him is to be in a program where there’s no ball hog in the running backs room.
“In my opinion, the future of the running back position is in programs that run the running backs by committee, that don’t have just have one single getting 30 carries a game,” Segarra said. “Keeping yourself healthy, and longevity is also a pretty big thing for me. Programs where they rotate backs and give different guys carries. Also, an atmosphere where I can start young and get experience under my belt at a young age.”
Segarra hasn’t developed a list of clear favorites yet, but that will come in time.
“Obviously there’s a lot to see still in terms of official visits and majors and what schools have to offer academically,” Segarra said. “The goal is not to shorten my list until maybe springtime and then have a possible commitment before the season my senior year.”
And when he makes his commitment, that will be that with his recruitment.
“That’s the goal,” he said. “I want to stay loyal to the program and really build my reputation at a place. When I commit, that will be final for me unless something drastic happens.”
This season, Segarra, a one-time soccer player, has rushed for 695 yards and 10 touchdowns on 79 carries.