4-star IOL Elyjah Thurmon commits to Clemson over Georgia Tech and LSU

Hinesville (Ga.) Bradwell Institute interior offensive lineman Elyjah Thurmon wasn’t sure if he would sign in December or February earlier this fall. Then he took his official visit to Clemson in November. That changed everything for the four-star.

Going into that visit, LSU and Georgia Tech were ahead of the Tigers on Thurmon’s list. The 48 hours he spent in Death Valley gave him clarity on what school he wanted to sign with and when he wanted to put the pen to paper.

“Before the visit, Clemson wasn’t No. 1 on my list, but after the visit, things changed,” Thurmon told On3. “The culture, how genuine the coaches were and how welcoming the coaches were with open arms to me and my family changed things for me. Being around the coaches and the players on that visit put Clemson on top.”

Since Dabo Swinney has been the head coach at Clemson, recruits have raved about the culture he has created. Thurmon was no different.

“It felt like home. I had never been on campus before, but on the visit, I already felt like part of the team. It was a feeling I was comfortable with and my mom, uncle and cousin felt the same. My time on that visit was a key moment for me and my decision.”

Swinney made a big impression on Thurmon and his family. His faith, how he carries himself and how he cares about his players getting their degrees all factored into this decision for the No. 364 prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings.

The new offensive line coach, Matt Luke, has quickly bonded with Thurmon as well.

“I love Coach Luke,” Thurmon said. “After he got cleared to call me, we talked, then he got on the road with Coach Swinney. Talking to Coach Luke just made it more clear that Clemson was where I was supposed to be. Coach Luke has a resume. He has put guys into the league and he is a great guy.”