A coveted Peach State defensive back was impressed with his first experience at Clemson.

Three-star cornerback Kaleb Lanier visited for the Elite Junior Day and it’s a visit that he’s been excited about for months.

Lanier’s connection with the Tigers dates back to an in-school visit from cornerbacks coach Mike Reed at Decatur High School. From then, he eyed this first visit at Clemson and got to experience what the program has to offer

“It was a really, really nice visit, I learned a lot about the program got a chance to check out the practice. See some guys that I know personally,” Lanier told The Clemson Insider.

The Peach State cornerback has connections with Tigers cornerbacks Shelton Lewis and Myles Oliver. All three hail from Georgia and the relationship stems from it.

Lanier had the opportunity to see practice, including watching Lewis on the field. Watching Reed in practice was another moment to see the program up close and meeting afterwards, he was given extra encouragement from the Clemson coaches.

“Coach Reed told me that he wanted me to visit again, you know, not just once, but go back up there and experience it more. Get acclimated with the environment more and Coach Swinney afterwards, he’s telling me keep working,, told me I’m on my way, and just stay with it,” Lanier said.

Football plays a heavy factor in Lanier’s recruitment and that’s a given, but the off-field opportunities the Tigers present interests him. He said that the program feels like “one big family” and it shows no one becomes disconnected. Seeing Trevor Lawrence arrive at practice was an example of it that stood out to Lanier

“The on-field success, national championships, ACC championships, bowl wins, but what really stands out is how much coach Swinney prioritizes education. His number one priority is making sure that you get a degree and that you have something to fall back on once your playing days are over. They take building you as a man off the field very seriously with their PAW program. Just how dedicated coaches to making you become a better an really sticks out,” Lanier said.

While Lanier doesn’t currently hold an offer from Clemson, he said the program still stands “pretty high” at this point in time. He’s planning on making another visit “soon” whether it be for the spring game in April or the Dabo Swinney Camp in June.

Photo courtesy of Kalen Lanier(@KalebLanier) on X