When you know, you know.
Such was the case for Shavar Young Jr (Webb School of Knoxville, TN), who announced a commitment to the Tigers late Friday. The 4-star corner was fresh off his most recent visit to Clemson and after originally planning to announce a commitment on December 12, the rising high school junior decided he’d seen enough, becoming the second verbal pledge for the Tigers in the 2026 recruiting class.
“It went well,” Young told The Clemson Insider. “I got to sit down with Dabo (Swinney) in his office. I had a meeting with the PAW Journey crew and a meeting with Mike Reed.”
As for the timing, Young just decided there was no better time than the present.
“Well, I just got that feeling” he said. “You know, once you get that feeling, you just pull the trigger. Clemson’s only taking two spots at the position and I wanted to be the first one to take that.”
However, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a well-thought out decision. Young has been to Clemson multiple times in the past and has no doubt done his due diligence. He would ultimately choose the Tigers over other finalists Oregon, Kentucky and the hometown Tennessee Volunteers.
Young is ranked as high as No. 121 overall and as the 10th best corner in the class and the culture that exists inside the Clemson program was just too much to pass up.
“The family atmosphere and the community,” Young said. “Clemson is like a tight-knit family. I like the way they operate and how they do things. It’s just different down there.”
Early in the process, Young wasn’t sure whether he’d play defensive back or receiver. Once that was decided, he started to bond with Mike Reed, who Young considers the best cornerbacks coach in the country.
“He is. I just decided that I was going to play DB last year,” Young said. “So I’ve had a relationship with him ever since then. And since the contact period (began in June), I have been talking to him every week. So we are really tight.”
Reed’s track record speaks for itself. Over the years, he has produced several NFL talents, most recently Nate Wiggins, who was drafted in the first round by the Ravens back in April. That kind of pedigree is attractive and Young is looking forward to being developed by one of the best.
“That most definitely played a big part,” Young added. “He produces and puts guys in the league. And they don’t just go to the league, they stay there.”
Photo courtesy of Shavar Young Jr on X (formerly known as Twitter)
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