Four-star LB Jamal Anderson couldn't pass on chance to play for Clemson

Hoschton (Ga.) Mill Creek four-star linebacker Jamal Anderson has had his eyes on Clemson for years. He did his due diligence and the result was the same.

Clemson is where he wanted to be. After his official visit, the No. 100 overall prospect in the On300 was convinced. Anderson took his official visit to Utah just out of respect. His father played at Utah. The Utes made a strong push but Clemson had him sold.

“It was always a dream school that I wanted to play for and attend,” Anderson said. “After my official visit and getting a more in-depth look at the program and talking to the players and being able to see what it was all about from the inside and out. I just felt like it was the place for me.”

Anderson felt there is a strong plan for development at Clemson. Clemson co-defensive coordinators Wes Goodwin and Mickey Conn both have been key pieces in recruiting Anderson.

Both coaches have built strong relationships with Anderson. They made the trip to Hoschton to see Anderson during spring practice. Conn was the Clemson coach to make contact with Anderson.

“I have a great relationship with him and I started building a relationship with coach Goodwin over time,” Anderson said. “He’s a really good dude. They both are great coaches. I think we’re going to have a chance to do something great there.”

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney made an impact as well. Anderson has had the opportunity to get to know Swinney in his last few visits.

“Before I even get to coaching, he’s a really good person and he’ll teach about a lot more than just football,” Anderson said. “He’s not just going to scream all the time. You have to be a teachable player.”

Is early playing time available for Jamal Anderson?

Anderon has been sold on the idea of a role similar to that of Trenton Simpson. During his official visit, he had the chance to pick the talented linebacker’s brain about Clemson and his role.

Anderson feels good about the opportunity in front of him. He will enroll in January to try and earn a spot in the spring.

“I’m looking forward to early enrolling and putting in the work and hopefully getting a spot on the team to play as a true freshman,” Anderson said. “I just have to earn it.”

Building new legacy

Anderson had the choice of rekindling the magic created by his father at Utah or building his own legacy at Clemson. He chose his own path.

Anderson admits he thought about following in his father’s footsteps. It was intriguing.

“It would be great to play at the same school my dad did, but I also wanted to create my own path and start a different legacy at a different school,” Anderson said. “I’ll always have family out there. My father loves the coaching staff. He played with a lot of them. It was a hard decision.”