Four-Star Edge Rusher Zavion Griffin-Haynes Puts Clemson in Final Four Ahead of Official Visit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Lentz | Last updated May 24, 2025 12:20 PM ET

The recruiting heat is turning up as summer approaches, and while Clemson has already laid significant groundwork for its 2026 class, the Tigers remain aggressive in pursuit of elite talent. One name high on their defensive wish list: four-star edge rusher Zavion Griffin-Haynes.

The 6-foot-6, 235-pound prospect out of North Carolina has trimmed his list to four schools — Clemson, Michigan, Nebraska, and Florida State — and is set to begin his official visits with a stop in Tigertown the weekend of May 30.

Ranked the No. 24 edge rusher and No. 255 overall prospect nationally in the 247Sports Composite, Griffin-Haynes has emerged as one of the more coveted defensive ends in the class. And while Clemson is the first school he’ll visit, that timing could be both a blessing and a challenge.

Key Visit for a Key Prospect

As recruiting season hits its stride, early official visits can sometimes fade in the minds of players as their travel schedule stacks up. That means Clemson will need to make a lasting impression on Griffin-Haynes — and quickly. Fortunately for the Tigers, they may have a few advantages working in their favor.

Proximity to home could be a plus, as well as the recent hiring of seasoned defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who brings a proven track record of developing NFL-ready defenders. That’s a pitch Clemson is expected to lean on heavily.

Decision Day Looms

Griffin-Haynes is on a fast track to commitment. After wrapping up his official visits in June, he plans to announce his decision on July 1. If Dabo Swinney and his staff can capitalize on the early visit and sell Clemson’s development pipeline, culture, and defensive vision, they just might close the gap and land one of the Southeast’s top edge rushers.

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

More must-reads: