STRecruiting: 2028 OL Daven Reed of Virginia takes in his first Clemson game last weekend

2028 OL Daven Reed (6-4 325) of Roanoke lives about an hour from Virginia Tech and has seen the Hokies often, and he saw them again last weekend at Clemson. But his focus was on the Tigers as he took in his first game at Death Valley.

“It was electric,” Reed said. “You can really tell that it’s a football school. I mean, everybody came out; everybody was supporting me. I went through the stadium, and it was packed. It was just like an amazing experience.”

Reed kept an eye on the offensive linemen and how OL coach Matt Luke worked his guys. He also talked with Luke about how he would fit in with the guys in his room.

“They said I would definitely work in as an interior offensive lineman, even playing center or guard, because I’m a very good run blocker,” Reed said. “And I saw during the game that every time they were shooting inside, their hand placement was amazing. It was always landing. If not, they reload the punch and punch it again. That’s one of my biggest takeaways, and that’s what I model my game after. Have active hands.”

Reed said Luke and Head Coach Dabo Swinney made a strong argument to him about why he should choose Clemson.

“Not only are they a great athletic school, but they can also help me after football,” he said. “What am I going to be doing after football with my education, and just prepare me for the real world.”

Reed also visited Clemson in the spring when he got a good look at the facilities and the campus. So, he has a good feel for the Tigers as he moves forward with his recruiting.

“They’re definitely in the top (list), Reed said. “I don’t really have a solid ranking yet, but they’re definitely up there.”

Reed has been to Virginia Tech twice for games this season. He has also been to Virginia and Tennessee for games. He’s working on a visit to Alabama, and he plans to visit Ohio State for the Michigan game. The schools he’s visiting for games are in a stronger position with him.

“They’re the ones that reached out and showed the most love and actually invited me to visit,” Reed said, adding that he plans on giving Clemson one of his official visits next summer.

Along with the schools he’s visiting, Reed also has offers from South Carolina, East Carolina, Georgia Tech, NC State, Georgia, Boston College, Louisville, West Virginia, Pitt, Wake Forest, Duke, Syracuse, and others.