2028 OL Reece Wilmes came to a Clemson camp this month hoping to embrace some added pressure. That hope was met with an audience of Dabo Swinney riding up on his stylish mode of transportation around camp.
“That golf cart is hard to miss,” Wilmes said. “Just like every other camper, you find a little bit extra in the tank trying to stand out and impress him.”
Wilmes (6-6, 280) from Lawrence (KS) Free State HS certainly had enough in the tank to make a strong impression. And he’s done enough to earn similar feelings across the country, landing offers from Oregon, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Iowa, Penn State, Ohio State, Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, and now Clemson.
Offensive line coach Matt Luke handed out an offer to Wilmes on June 17th.
“An offer from Clemson is different than most others,” Wilmes revealed. “It’s a committable offer, and you know that they absolutely believe you can be successful in their program and culture. I guess, for me, it raises the bar compared to some other programs that maybe haven’t done as much research on recruits. “You know exactly where you stand with the Tiger coaching staff if you’re fortunate enough to be offered.”
His older brother, Braden, was one of the Tigers’ first commitments in the 2026 class, and he was on campus this spring as an early enrollee. The recruitment of the Wilmes brothers continued as the younger rising tackle visited during the “Spring Elite Day.” Eventually, it would be time to make some noise in a competitive setting.
“I came in wanting to prove to the coaches that I can play football competitively at this level,” he said. “I wanted them to see me as a prospect who can help their team in the future, so without a doubt, I gave every bit of effort I had and tried to show them the skills I’ve been working so hard on. I really enjoyed competing with the other campers, and I definitely learned a lot from all the coaches.”
A unique aspect of Clemson’s camp setting is that many current players take part in the week’s practices as coaches. What if one of those coaches is your older brother?
“He was helping with the OL groups at camp,” Wilmes reported. “So he was around… a lot, and I could definitely hear him chirping at me!”
The rest of the day was spent with his family and Coach Luke.
For some campers, it is their first time around campus and with the coaches. This isn’t Wilmes’ first time around the block. For him, visits like these reinforce what makes Clemson special.
“I always enjoy my visits,” Wilmes said. “Getting to know the coaches better is a positive thing, and each time I’m there, it only reinforces why Clemson is special.”
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