ESPN high on Clemson's early 2025 class in team recruiting rankings

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Ari Watford - Defensive End

TigerNet: (4.61)

Height: 6-5   Weight: 220   Hometown: Norfolk, VA (Maury HS)   Class: 2025

ESPN:
#32 Overall, #4 DE, #1 VA

24/7:
#50 Overall, #7 Edge, #1 VA

ESPN released an update for its 2025 team recruiting rankings, and Clemson's off to a great start.

Fresh off of gaining a top defensive end commitment in Ari Watford, ESPN ranks Clemson No. 3 overall for the 2025 class.

"The Tigers have checked several boxes with commitments at different positions," ESPN's Craig Haubert said. "They already have a pair of running backs in this class in Davidson and in-state prospect Marquise Henderson. Davidson has a nice blend of size, speed and power while rushing for 2,700 yards with 43 touchdowns this season. Henderson, at 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, is more slightly built, but is explosive with big-play speed and was very productive as a junior, rushing for over 2,300 yards.

"Quarterback Blake Hebert missed most of his junior season with an injury, but he has good size and a smooth, compact delivery who moves well and can extend plays. On defense, Watford gives them a lengthy player with good initial quickness that can develop into a disruptive edge rusher. In the trenches, defensive tackle Amare Adams is the top-ranked player in the state."

The ACC Tigers are only topped by LSU's Tigers and Notre Dame in the No. 1 and 2 spots respectively.

The next conference team is SMU at No. 9.

"The Mustangs are rolling into the ACC feeling good about their 2025 recruiting class. They are focusing on in-state talent and bringing in multiple players from top programs like state title winners DeSoto, Duncanville and Chapel Hill, which won 13 games in 2023," said Haubert.

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Ari Watford Recruiting Profile 2025 Clemson Football Targets