Recruiting: Clemson Secures Commitment From UCF Offensive Lineman.

Clemson’s offensive line coach, Matt Luke, secured another addition for his team as Gavin Blanchard, a center from Tampa, Fla., committed on Friday. Blanchard had been dedicated to UCF since June.

During the spring and summer of 2023, Blanchard, a 6-3, 300-pound player with relatives in Greenville, visited Clemson multiple times. He also went to a match in November of last year. Blanchard also spent time with the Tigers during the summer, but Clemson did not actively pursue him at that point, leading him to choose UCF after an official visit in June.

Nevertheless, Luke stayed in touch with Blanchard and, despite failing to recruit other prospects like Nelson McGuire from Texas, he increased his interest which ultimately resulted in a change of heart. Blanchard received offers from Pittsburgh, TCU, Indiana, Purdue, and Georgia Tech as well.

Blanchard is the fourth offensive lineman to pledge to the Tigers for the 2025 recruiting class and the 14th player in total.