GREENSBORO, N.C.- Oftentimes, recruiting tends to be seen from the lens of the player. High school juniors and seniors making one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
The parents of those recruits are often overlooked, despite the fact that most are just as deeply invested in the process as their child. Such is the case with the parents of Bryce Davis, who announced a commitment to Clemson on Saturday, choosing the Tigers over Georgia, Duke and South Carolina.
Davis’ father, Darrin, spoke with the Clemson Insider after the ceremony at Grimsley High School, noting that the announcement signified the end of a journey they very much enjoyed, but also a process that was long, and at times exhausting.
“It actually was very long and grueling,” Davis told TCI. “I’m so ecstatic about Bryce’s decision. He wanted to make a decision before the beginning of the season and he had four great choices. He chose Clemson. We’ve been to Clemson a few times and I love what they’re doing down here. I love the PAW Journey. I love what the coach stands for. And I just think that he’s making like they say a 40 year commitment.”
While the parents had plenty of input, in the end, the decision was ultimately made by Bryce. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound prospect was the first defensive end in the 2025 class to pick up an offer from the Tigers and his decision to join the class now gives Clemson four defensive linemen ranked inside the Top 100.
The family would end up making multiple visits to campus throughout the process, with the most recent coming for the big official visit weekend in early June. With each visit, the elder Davis grew more comfortable with what Dabo Swinney and Clemson had to offer and he is more than comfortable with his son being coached by the likes of Chris Rumph and Nick Eason. Former Clemson standout Jeff Davis, who now serves as Swinney’s Assistant AD of Football Relations, also got involved.
“Coach Swinney, he’s just so authentic and he’s real,” Davis said. “At first it was a little scary to meet him and see him. How he interacts with his players, his coaches and the things that he says about Clemson. But as we continued to visit, I was like, man, this guy, he continues to speak the same message. He treats people right. He stands for things that a lot of coaches don’t stand for. And just the atmosphere. I love coach Rumph, coach Eason. And Jeff Davis, who’s from Greensboro. I got a chance to talk with him. All the coaching staff. I think they really just embrace making the young men into men after they leave.”
What Clemson offers off the field also played a major role, with the PAW Journey program making a lasting impression. Davis takes his education seriously and the amount of success Swinney’s had when it comes to graduating his players also resonated. So, not only is Clemson getting an elite-level player, they’re also getting a dedicated student.
“He’s a hard worker,” Davis added. “He’s seen me and his mom go to work every day and grind. He wants to be coached. He wants to learn. He wants to be the best and he wants to be coached by some of the best in the business. I just can’t say enough about his work. Smart kid. He made National Honor Society this year. So they’re just getting a hard working big fella.”
Eventually, it boiled down to fit and where Davis felt most comfortable. And this time, the Clemson culture didn’t just impress the recruit, it also won over the parents.
“That culture, I mean it’s phenomenal,” Davis said. “Coach Swinney says there’s something about Clemson right? Until you’re there and you walk that campus and walk the facilities, you won’t understand.”
A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available. Get yours while supplies last! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
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