Clemson is once again attempting to steal a recruit out of Georgia's backyard. The Tigers made a run at five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson a few weeks ago when they brought him in for an official visit, but all reports point towards Clemson falling short in their efforts to steal Atkinson from Georgia.
So while things look great for Georgia in Atkinson's recruitment, Clemson is on the verge of stealing a different in-state recruit from Georgia.
Rivals Recruiting Director Adam Gorney provided an update on 2027 safety Chance Gilbert and how he was extremely excited to receive a recent scholarship offer from Clemson even though Georgia is at the top of his list.
"Georgia Tech, Georgia and Alabama have been the front-runners in Gilbert’s recruitment but after getting a Clemson offer, the Tigers have moved into that top list as well," Gorney shared via uga.rivals.com. "The 2027 four-star safety from Sharpsburg (Ga.) East Coweta knows not many players get Clemson offers so it’s big and the religious aspect of the Tigers could be a key consideration as his recruitment continues."
Clemson quickly joins Georgia as a contender for 4-star safety
Gilbert is a member of the 2027 recruiting class, so his recruitment won't start picking up for a few months still. But Gorney's statement above shows that it is going to be a serious competition between a lot of elite programs.
Georgia, Alabama and Georgia Tech were already the frontrunners in this recruitment, but the recent offer from Clemson sounds like a game changer for Gilbert. Gorney didn't go as far as to saw that Clemson is Gilbert's No. 1 team, but they will be a serious threat for Georgia in this recruitment over the next year and a half.
According to the 247Sports composite rankings, Gilbert is the No. 59 overall player in the country and the No. 7 player from the Peach State. So falling short in this battle would be a tough loss no matter who it's to, but it sounds like Clemson is Georgia's biggest competition right now for the elite safety.