Clemson commit Justin Foster is growing closer and closer with Clemson’s coaching staff, and he will have another opportunity to bond with his future coaches as well as future teammates when he takes his official visit next month.

 The four-star linebacker from Shelby (N.C.) Crest High School is practicing at Dorman High School this week in preparation for the annual Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas all-star game on Saturday, and The Clemson Insider spoke with him after.

“First it was coach (Brent) Venables. I was with him most of the time, and coach (Dan) Brooks. That’s who I talked to most of the time, and now it’s starting to spread out,” Foster said of his strong relationship with Clemson’s staff. “I talk to coach (Marion) Hobby a good little bit. So, our relationship, you just build it over time and get to know each other a little bit more every time you see them.”

Foster, who committed to Clemson in October, said he talks to Brooks and Hobby nearly every week.

 “I talk to coach Brooks, coach Hobby almost every week, and they came by to see me,” Foster said. “We just set up everything for my official and stuff. It’s going good. They want to play me at the stand-up end position, so it’s going to be good.”

Foster is set to make his official visit with Chase Brice, Amari Rodgers, Jordan Williams and other Clemson commits during Clemson’s preferred official visit weekend in January.

“Just bonding with the other players, the other commits, and having a good time meeting all the people that will be in my life over the next four years,” Foster said of what he is looking forward to about the visit.

The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Foster is a versatile pass rusher, and he will be utilized as a hybrid linebacker slash defensive end at Clemson, much like the Tigers deployed Vic Beasley in the past and more recently Christian Wilkins.

“It’s more of a hybrid linebacker, stand-up defensive end. I’ll rush off the edge,” Foster said. “(Venables) wants to use me a lot for pass rushing, but most of the time he said I’ll be pass rushing or I’ll be dropping back a little bit.

Foster visited Clemson several times this season for the S.C. State, N.C. State and South Carolina games.

He had fun seeing Clemson dominate its rival foe last month.

“It was a great game,” Foster said. “I’m glad Clemson came out on top and is getting ready for the playoffs and everything.”

In addition to the Shrine Bowl this weekend, Foster, one of the top prospects in the 2017 class, will compete in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.