Hundreds of top prospects were on the road for the first weekend of official visits and school camps going on around the country. Here are a dozen quotes that stood out most.
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TYLER ATKINSON ON CLEMSON
“The overall visit was incredible and more than welcoming. It was the meaning of priority. There were a lot of highlights this weekend. The way they plan on playing me in the AtkNup packages on defense really stood out.
“I really loved the family vibes and the way my family felt there. Also, the potential class of teammates is really strong. The message to me was very clear: They genuinely want me to be there. Not just because of the way I play the game but because of the type of person I am, too.”
ADAM BALOGOUN-ALI ON NORTH CAROLINA
“What stood out most was how much coach (Bill) Belichick believed in my body frame and potential. Hearing that from the greatest coach of all-time definitely gives you crazy confidence.”
DORIAN BARNEY ON GEORGIA TECH
“The comfortability I have when I go there every single time and it was no different this time. The message is that they need and want me there, I could be the face of Georgia Tech when I get there. They are still in the race with all my other schools. Let’s find out July 5.”
DEVIN CARTER ON GEORGIA
“Still committed to Auburn but I for sure was impressed this visit with (UGA's) detailed way of showing the guys they have developed there and are currently developing was a thumbs up and something to look at. Also, the statistics on the offensive side of the ball surprised me and the main message from coach (James) Coley is that he wants me in that wide receiver room no matter how or when we make it happen.”
LANDON DUCKWORTH ON AUBURN
“The environment. Auburn is like a family and in-state feel. Coach (Hugh) Freeze’s message was he really wants me there to be a part of that culture he’s building. Having Jackson (Arnold) and Deuce (Knight) in the room doesn’t hurt. I can learn from those guys and competition will make me better.”
DAVERIN “DEUCE” GERALDS ON LSU
“I think about the possibilities of me returning to my place of birth and coming home and possibly leading them to another championship in Baton Rouge. It’s easy and just feels like home as it was for half of my life.”
XAVIER GRIFFIN ON OHIO STATE
“Being developed and coached by one of the best linebackers (James Laurinitis) to ever wear the scarlet and gray excites me. Knowing coach (Matt) Patricia has coached and been a GM in the NFL, so he has the blueprint to get me there. Being down to the top four, they are still in good standing. Gave me a lot to think about and I’m still excited about them.”
MAXWELL HILLER ON TENNESSEE
“Flat out, this was one of the best visits I’ve had and was huge for Tennessee on my list. I will definitely be back sooner than later. How welcoming the whole staff was and I really enjoyed catching up with coach (Glen) Elarbee and it was great to see how he coached me and we had a personal meeting which was great.”
BRODY JENNINGS ON MIAMI
“The visit was great. I love it a lot. The highlights were how much coach (Mario) Cristobal is big on family, not just him, the coaches. Not just that, the amount DBs coach (Zac) Etheridge and coach (Will) Harris develop. Also, how much love they showed me and my family. I spent lots of time with coach Cristobal. He told me I can be very successful anywhere I go but I’ll be successful in a special place. They’re a school that me and my family will look into a lot.”
ZADEN KREMPIN ON LSU
“The attention to detail stood out the most. LSU’s staff made me and my family feel right at home. Hanging out with the Bordelon and Weeks brothers was a blast. LSU is the team to beat right now. I love everything about this program.”
JAKE KREUL ON OHIO STATE
“This was a really great official visit. Just seeing how they set their level for the OSU Standard is at such a high bar. They expect to be the best in the world at everything they do. I really like that because it drives you to be the best.
"After spending a lot of time with coach (Matt) Patricia and coach (Larry) Johnson it is very hard to not see yourself getting developed into an NFL edge rusher.”
BLAKE STEWART ON CLEMSON
“From the second I stepped onto Clemson’s campus, I could feel it — this place is different. There’s a real sense of purpose, a culture that pulls you in and makes you feel like you belong. The energy was authentic, from the coaches to the players to the support staff, everyone was welcoming, everyone was real. It wasn’t just about football; it was about who you are and who you’re becoming.
“Coach (Dabo) Swinney and his staff had a powerful message: Development isn’t just about the game, it’s about leadership, about becoming the best version of yourself. They’re going to push you, challenge you, but they’re gonna support you while they do it. The culture they’ve built is about more than wins; it’s about legacy, about accountability, about doing things the right way. Clemson is a place where you grow as a player and as a person, and that stuck with me.”
