STRecruiting: 2028 Florida RB Edwards describes a recent offer from Clemson as an unforgettable moment

Xander Edwards was hearing the calls. He knew that once he stepped onto campus, he was a priority for Clemson.

The 2028 running back from Jacksonville (FL)’s The Bolles School received an offer from the Tigers on Saturday evening, but the relationship has been building behind the scenes for months. CJ Spiller has been in constant communication since June, with a game-day visit being scheduled behind the scenes for quite some time.

Edwards (6-1, 210) has enjoyed the budding relationship with the Tigers, feeling like once he came to campus, an offer was on the way.

“Coach Spiller and I have been talking and building this relationship since June 15, and it has been great,” he said. “He is a great person and coach, and I would love to learn from him! They kept on telling me to come, so I kinda knew that they were going to offer, but it still means a lot to be the first running back in the 2028 class that Clemson has offered.”

Edwards was brought into an office with Spiller and Dabo Swinney, and that moment is one that the young prospect will not forget.

“It was a very exciting moment, especially that Coach Swinney was the one who did it,” Edwards explained. “It is definitely a moment that I will remember forever.”

For Edwards, it was his first Clemson experience, and he feels like he chose a special atmosphere to be a part of.

“The visit was awesome,” he recounted. “They were treating me like I was a priority, which means a lot to me! This was my first Clemson game ever, and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere was electric, and I loved watching them run down the hill. That is one of the best traditions in college football!”

Beyond the game, Edwards toured campus with the staff, checking out the iconic sites the university has to offer. One of the most important things to the Florida native was what Clemson offers players beyond football, which resonated with him as something that makes the Tigers stand out.

“They took my family and me on a campus tour, and the campus is as beautiful as can be,” he recapped. “Multiple beautiful views! They are also number one in the country in graduations and NFL draft picks, which is very impressive, and it is great to know that Clemson will develop you and get you to the next level.”

At this stage in his recruitment, Florida, Indiana, Virginia Tech, Miami, and others stand out, and Edwards feels Clemson comfortably sits in his top eight.

It’s doubtful that Edwards will return to Clemson this fall, but he plans on coming back in the spring to continue building a relationship with the Tigers, one he’s enjoyed so far.

“My visit schedule is very full, which is a great problem to have,” he said. “I will 100% return to Clemson either to another game or in the spring!”