After having a guy on their radar for almost two years, Clemson’s DB room looks to get even stronger, with a recent crystal-ball prediction coming out this past week for a 2026 Top 20 cornerback.
After an unofficial visit to Clemson in October of 2022 and September of last year, Shavar Young Jr., a four-star cornerback, was among the first players in the Class of 2026 to receive an offer from the Tigers back in June.
“It felt really good to get the offer. It means a lot to me because it’s an offer from Clemson. It meant something”
Shavar Young Jr.
The five-foot-eleven, 175-pound prospect is ranked as the No. 249 prospect nationally, the No. 20 cornerback, and the No. 8 prospect coming out of the Volunteer State.
While Clemson has been recruiting Young Jr. for almost two years now, his home-state school, Tennessee, has been showing him lots of love in the recruiting department as well. The school was his third official offer, and he’s gone to three of their camps on six unofficial visits and one Junior Day, so they seemed to be the favorite. However, recently, he was crystal-balled to Clemson by the Director of Recruiting at On3, Chad Simmons. He’s been correct on 507 out of 563 (90.05%) of his crystal-ball predictions.
The athletic cornerback played at Brentwood Academy for his sophomore season but has transferred back to Webb School of Knoxville, where he played his freshman year. In his sophomore season, Young Jr. racked up 84 receptions, 1,130 yards, and nine touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball while still contributing 17 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and one interception on the defensive side.
Clemson’s defensive coaches have been very intrigued with Young Jr. over the past two years but have been trying to grow a closer bond with him as Class of 2026 recruitment heats up. So, Clemson DC Wes Goodwin and Clemson CB Coach Mike Reed stopped by his high school.
“They want me at Clemson. My relationship with the staff continues to grow”
Shavar Young Jr.
Young Jr. should be back for more visits this fall as the season edges closer, with him saying, “I hope I’m able to get back up to Clemson before things get hectic. If not, I will attend some games. I know a night game for sure.”
While Clemson may not be his #1 choice right now, they’re surely making strides to become it. Young Jr. holds offers from 29 other schools, including Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Colorado, and Oregon, among others.
He looks to shorten his choices soon and plans to commit on December 12.
