Connor Salmin had every intention on working out at Dabo Swinney’s high school camp last month.
However, a hamstring injury suffered running in the track state championships would prevent him from participating. Not to be deterred, Salmin still made the trip, and it absolutely turned out to be worth it.
It was the 4-star wideout’s ( Woodgrove, Purcellville, VA) first visit to Clemson and he would end up walking away with an offer from the Tigers.
“I was hoping to compete while I was there, but I didn’t get to,” Salmin told The Clemson Insider. “So we just went and visited and just saw all the coaches and met everyone for the first time, which was our first time there on campus, so it was our first time seeing everything.”
Despite not getting to work out, Salmin got to explore the campus and get a lot of one-on-one time with some of the coaches.
“It was awesome,” he said. “The campus is beautiful. And the coaches, they’re awesome. Seem like great coaches, really good people. They’re some of the best people that we’ve seen. Just really genuinely nice people. You can tell that.”
The speedy wideout out lit it up during his sophomore campaign, totaling more than 1,100 receiving yards with 16 touchdowns. He also averaged an eye-popping 20.89 yards per catch.
Salmin already has well over 20 offers, including Ohio State, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and North Carolina, who all got spring visits. The offer from Clemson, though, he wasn’t quite expecting so soon.
“I wasn’t expecting to get an offer,” Salmin said. “It was definitely a surprise when it happened. Obviously, it’s awesome every time it happens. But it was a great experience.”
With how meticulous the Tigers are when it comes to handing out offers, Salmin wasn’t sure what to expect when he arrived for his visit. After spending plenty of time with Swinney, as well as receivers coach Tyler Grisham, the blue-chip talent came away impressed.
“I was pretty surprised, just because of how many receivers they’ve offered,” he said. “It’s not very many. They keep the number very low. Me and coach Grisham meshed very well. Coach Swinney, we were talking for a good bit and he really seemed to like me. It was just awesome.”
Salmin is known as a speedster. He won a state title in the 100M with a time of 10.44 seconds, despite pulling the hamstring. It’s an asset the Clemson coaching staff has taken notice of and something Salmin sees fitting in nicely with Garrett Riley’s offense.
“I could definitely see myself fitting in,” he said. “They told me, using my speed, they can put me inside or outside receiver. Both. Going deep and short stuff. Just all different types of stuff. Just using my speed and my length. They said they could really see me excelling.”
When it comes to the schools he is hearing from the most, Salmin mentioned Clemson, along with Penn State and Virginia Tech.
“Clemson’s one that is standing out. A lot of coaches reaching out,” Salmin said. “Different coaches, actually building a relationship, which is really important. Building a relationship and staying in contact. Just because part of where I will decide to go is just based off the relationship and what coach I’ve got a good relationship with. Where I feel comfortable and really like the coach.”
Salmin is ranked as high as No. 126 overall by ESPN and No. 22 among all receivers. He said he definitely plans on getting to Clemson for a game this season, although he won’t be able to set a date until his fall schedule is known. However, a decision is not expected until sometime next summer before the start of his senior season.
As he goes through the process, relationships are going to be key, as will academics. Salmin is looking for a strong education for the day that his football career ends, whenever that might be.
“I think academics are very important, a good education,” Salmin added. “Because football always comes to an end. There’s always another route. Something that I could get a job and enjoy my job after football. The other thing is just the people and really liking my teammates too.”
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