STRecruiting: What’s next for the Clemson secondary? How about a talented DB in the 2028 class from North Carolina?

Mike Reed has molded several defensive backs into NFL players, and one of the top cornerbacks in the 2028 class has noticed.

Jacksonville (NC) cornerback Domonic Williams Jr. (6-0, 182) was Mike Reed’s first offer in the 2028 class, adding to a list that already includes Auburn, Florida, NC State, Ole Miss, and Ohio State for the rising junior. Williams Jr. picked up the Clemson offer after camping with the Tigers earlier this summer, and the corner sees Reed as a coach who can further develop his game.

“Coach Reed has been great throughout the recruiting process,” Williams Jr. said. “He’s always genuine and straightforward with me, and I appreciate that. You can tell that he really knows the game and has developed a lot of talented players. I definitely feel like he’s a coach that I could learn from and play for because of the way he coaches and the culture he’s helped to build at Clemson.”

Big-body defensive backs have been the theme of Tom Allen’s vision for the Clemson secondary, and Williams Jr. is another physical athlete whom the Tigers believe can play multiple positions.

“The message has been that they really like my versatility, physicality, and ability to make plays on the football,” he explained. “They see me as a defensive back who can move around and impact the game in multiple ways. Clemson’s defense is known for producing NFL talent, and they believe my skill set fits what they like to do on the back end.”

Williams Jr.’s last trip to Clemson ended with an offer, and now he is planning a return to the Upstate to watch the Tigers in action.

“I’ve visited Clemson twice so far. Both visits were great, but the second one was really special,” Williams Jr. confessed. “Being able to receive an offer a few days after camp from a program like Clemson and experience everything they have to offer was an amazing feeling. It was especially meaningful for my dad and me because we’ve been putting in the work together since I was 11 years old. To see that hard work paying off at a place like Clemson was something that I’ll never forget. The coaches, facilities, culture, and atmosphere all stood out to me. I definitely plan on getting back to Clemson again, especially during the season, because it’s a place that has made a strong impression on me.”

He has garnered numerous offers over the summer, including most recently from Indiana, Tennessee, and Louisville. So, which programs are standing out at this point?

“I’m grateful for every school that’s recruiting me right now, and I’m trying to keep an open mind throughout the process,” he explained. “Clemson has definitely made a strong impression on me, but there are several schools that I’m excited to continue building relationships with and visiting. I have a visit planned to Florida this summer, and there are a few other places I’d like to get back to as the process continues.”

Williams Jr. ended his sophomore season with 45 tackles, 3 interceptions, 16 PBUs, and 4 tackles for loss. But it’s not just his innate ability on the field that has made him such a highly sought-after prospect.

“I think what separates me is my work ethic, football IQ, and competitiveness,” Williams Jr. said. “I take pride in being physical, playing fast, and making plays when my team needs me the most. I study the same, work hard year-round, and always look for ways to improve. I feel like my versatility and ability to impact the game in different ways help me to be one of the top defensive backs in my class.”