In-State Offensive Lineman Hearing from Clemson 'Every Day'

There is one school Malcolm Gaston is currently hearing from the most and it’s Clemson.

The 2026 in-state offensive lineman (N. Augusta) camped at Clemson in early June and received lots of positive feedback from assistant Matt Luke and the rest of the coaches on hand.

“The energy was something I didn’t expect for a day camp,” Gaston told The Clemson Insider. “They loved the work ethic I had and were very positive.”

It was an opportunity for the rising high school junior to get better acquainted with Luke.

“He is a fun coach to be around,” Gaston said.

Since June 15 when schools could start contacting 2026 recruits directly Gaston said it is Clemson he has been communicating with him the most, with the offensive lineman saying there isn’t a close second right now.

“Clemson hits me up every day with something new,” he said. “And showing me how their school should be the one.”

Georgia is Gaston’s biggest offer to date and he is hoping at some point to add one from the Tigers, seeing as he is a longtime fan of the program.

“An offer from Clemson would be everything to me,” Gaston said. “Because I’m a Clemson fan from my childhood.”

Despite still being extremely early in the process, Gaston knows what he is looking for in a school. Somewhere with a strong culture and a place that feels like home.

“Where I feel at home,” Gaston said. “Can they help me develop as a person and a player, can they help me reach my goals and can really be family to me.”

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