4-Star DB 'Super-Excited' to Be One of Clemson's Opening Offers

So far, Clemson has extended offers to just three safeties in the 2026 recruiting class.

One of those opening offers went to 4-star Xavier Lherisse (Eau Gallie, Melbourne, FL) after an unofficial visit the first week in June. He was able to spend a fair amount of time soaking in everything Dabo Swinney’s program has to offer.

“I really liked it because I feel like the area around there and the campus would just fit my personality and the person who I am,” Lherisse told The Clemson Insider. “So super cool seeing that. It felt really comfortable to be there. So it was nice.”

Being one of the first players at his position to pick up one of those hard to get offers is something that made an impression.

“It was super exciting because I’ve always liked Clemson,” Lherisse said. “My coaches had been telling me how they liked my film, they really liked it. When I was one of the first ’26 players to get the offer, I was super excited.”

Since coaches could start contacting 2026 recruits directly on June 15 Lherisse has been hearing a lot from safeties coach Mickey Conn.

“It’s been really good,” he said. “Because at first he didn’t really talk to me because he wasn’t allowed to, but ever since the day that I was technically a junior, we’ve been talking a lot recently.”

Lherisse is also a fan of Conn’s coaching style and the fact that the co-defensive coordinator can see him fitting in the Tigers’ defense despite being 5-foot-10 also stands out.

“I really like it, because he’s not afraid of my height,” Lherisse added “I know he really knows what he’s doing. He knows where to put me for a player my size to make the best plays.”

Rivals ranks Lherisse No. 213 overall and No. 17 among all safeties. He already has more than 40 offers with some of the top programs in the country showing legit interest.

Kentucky, Auburn, Oklahoma and Miami are some of the other schools the blue-chip talent is currently hearing from the most and when he compares Clemson to some of those other schools the facilities stand out.

“Really, just the facilities,” Lherisse said “The facility was super nice. I haven’t been able to get up to all these places yet, but Clemson’s definitely been one of the tops I’ve done so far.”

Seeing as he is just about to start his junior season, Lherisse has no timeline for making a decision, but is aiming for putting a top schools list out sometime during the upcoming season.

Relationships look to play a big part in this recruitment and Lherisse is looking for an opportunity to get on the field early.

“Just somewhere I know I can go in early and make an impact on the field getting playing time,” Lharisse said. “Coaches that believe in me, so I feel comfortable enough to go to them and talk to them, because I know my parents won’t be around.”

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