Clemson Adds Soccer Star Charlie Reed – Could He Be the Next Antonio Gates?

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney is taking a chance on an intriguing wildcard for the upcoming season: Charlie Reed, a former soccer player with immense athletic potential. Swinney discussed the unique addition, hinting at a high ceiling for the "high level athlete."

Reed, who was not going to be on the soccer team, "wanted to transition" to football after trying it for a year. Swinney sees a significant opportunity for him, though he's managing expectations. "The expectation for him is not that he's going to walk in here and be – oh, what's the tight end? What's the – Antonio Gates. You know, maybe he turns out to be that three years from now, but the expectation is, hey, let's find a role. Let's reestablish a football foundation."

Despite the measured approach, Swinney's excitement about Reed's raw talent is palpable. "I don't know. He might catch the game winner in the national championship this year. I have no idea. I'm just excited to get to work with him, help him, evaluate him, and then I can see, well, here's what we need to do."

Swinney underscored Reed's athletic prowess: "This ain't some rookie slappy rolling in here, this is a high level athlete, incredibly successful at a very competitive level, that's skilled, and he's big, and athletic, so usually that stuff translates."

While acknowledging the unknown, Swinney believes this path will "create a real opportunity for him." Charlie Reed represents a fascinating "project" for Clemson, a high-upside athlete who could potentially become a surprising and impactful contributor down the line.