Dabo Swinney addresses Clemson having just one South Carolina native in 2024 recruiting class

Any college football head coach will tell you how important in-state recruiting is. Due to the modern age, finding players on a national level is becoming more popular. But everyone hopes their bread and butter is landing the best players from their home soil.

Dabo Swinney did have have too much success in South Carolina this cycle for Clemson. Just one player from the state wound up signing with the Tigers, potentially being a low for the program since Swinney took over.

“We went after a few guys and we didn’t get them,” Swinney said. “This is a small state, from a population standpoint. There is more people in Atlanta, right? You don’t have a huge population. And then you’re looking for guys that are good enough for Clemson. Then it’s academics, it’s fit, it’s all of those things. It’s a very small number for us.”

Watson Young out of Clemson (SC) D W Daniel is the only in-state player Swinney was able to land in his 2024 recruiting class. Young is a three-star prospect, projected as an interior offensive lineman. He ranks as the No. 26 in-state player.

Now, Swinney admits Clemson did try to go after a few guys. Sometimes, recruiting losses happen. There is more in South Carolina than Clemson, with another program being on the other side of what has been one of college football’s most intense rivalries.

“There are some really good football players in this state,” Swinney said. “I mean, really good. We went after several. Just one of those years. There are just some kids that grow up pulling for the other team. Just the way it is. It’s hard to overcome that.”

Swinney mentioning “The other team” is undoubtedly South Carolina, who had more success at the top of the state rankings this cycle. Five out of the top seven from the Palmetto State will be beginning their college careers as a Gamecock.

Clemson offered four out of those seven, being part of the process Swinney discussed about being more than just a good football player.

Likely looking to improve within the state in 2025, Clemson is already off to a good start. Two out of the top five in-state prospects are already committed. Amare Adams, a four-star defensive lineman, and Marquise Henderson, a three-star running back.

Swinney knows in-state recruiting can go in cycles, especially with two strong programs attempting to get the best players. While 2024 may have been a down year, Clemson will have an opportunity to bounce back in a big way in 2025.