STRecruiting Notebook 7-20: Clemson offers Alabama tight end; Clemson in final five with 2028 Georgia safety; USC in mix for Texas free agent infielder

2028 TE Kaleb Ballard (6-5 221) of Wetumpka, AL, was offered by Clemson over the weekend. He’s also a basketball prospect who averaged 16 points and 15 rebounds per game last season. He has also been offered by North Carolina, LSU, West Virginia, UCLA, NC State, Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, Florida, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Alabama, Virginia Tech, Georgia and others.

One-time Clemson target, SAF Ta’Shawn Poole of Macon, GA, committed to Florida State. He was one of the official visitors for Clemson’s major recruiting weekend on May 29th, but the Tigers eventually went in other directions at the position.

Georgia Tech offered South Carolina target 2028 OL Jayden Thompson of Lucas, TX.

2028 SAF Giovanni Tuggle of Winder, GA has Clemson in his current final five.  The others are Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida State, and Tennessee.

OL Niran Ford of Dutch Fork and Powdersville LB Jaydon McGrier (6-3 220) have committed to ETSU.

Southside Christian LB Nigel Rock has committed to The Citadel.

South Florence OL Luke Thayer committed to Davidson.

Furman offered LB Malcolm Gordon of Bluffton.

Former Timberland WR 2028 Jordan Gorham arrived at IMG Academy late last week.   He’s a key target for South Carolina and Clemson.

2029 WR Corey Miller of Dutch Fork added offers from Oklahoma, Michigan, Colorado, Ole Miss,  and Appalachian State, pushing his total to 41.

Baseball News:

Pete Nakos of On3 reported that Texas free agent Callum Early is a target for USC, Florida State and West Virginia.  Though he played in just 11 games for the Longhorns, Early is considered to be one of the top prospects left in the free agent portal this summer.  He began his career at Liberty.

INF Rex Smith, formerly of VCU, committed to Coastal Carolina per Teal Syndicate.  Smith missed all of last season due to injury.