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Elite Recruit Sends Clear Message After Spurning South Carolina For Clemson

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated May 16, 2025 7:03 PM ET

One of the top safeties in the class of 2026 is headed to Clemson to play for head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers after an in-state recruiting battle.

Kentavion Anderson (6-foot-2, 190 pounds) plays for Dorman High School in Roebuck, South Carolina. He is rated as the No. 4 safety, the No. 2 player in the state and the No. 75 overall recruit in his class, per On3.

Anderson was also considering head coach Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks before announcing his commitment to Clemson on Friday. Both programs are just over an hour from Anderson's hometown.

The Tigers ultimately gained the pledge from Anderson, who added a clear message when revealing his decision on social media.

"I'M STAYING IN THE UPSTATE, LET’S GO TIGER TOWN," he said via On3.

BREAKING: Four-Star Safety Kentavion Anderson has Committed to Clemson, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’2 200 S from Roebuck, SC chose the Tigers over Florida and South Carolina

"I'M STAYING IN THE UPSTATE, LET’S GO TIGER TOWN !"https://t.co/shsAwjuxGh pic.twitter.com/zGSo2GKnG8
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 16, 2025

Clemson bounced back from a disappointing 2023 season by securing Swinney's ninth ACC championship and seventh College Football Playoff appearance in 2024.

Despite the overall successful season, the Tigers finished 23rd in the 2025 cycle with just 15 commitments. However, the 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the best in the country, currently ranking 10th nationally with much of the cycle remaining.

Anderson is the latest highly-touted defensive back added to the class under new coordinator Tom Allen, also including four-star safety Kaden Gebhardt and four-star cornerback Shavar Young.

The group is headlined by four-star wide receiver Naeem Burroughs, the No. 2 ranked player at the position, and four-star quarterback Tait Reynolds.

Additionally, the Tigers hold commitments from a trio of four-star offensive linemen in Chancellor Barclay, Grant Wise and Adam Guthrie.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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