Elite lineman ‘definitely’ considering Clemson visit

One of two new offensive line offers Clemson dispensed over the summer went to Apopka (Fla.) four-star William Barnes.

Barnes — a consensus top-115 prospect nationally regardless of position by the major recruiting services — is in the process of planning visits for this fall.

“Nope not yet,” Barnes told The Clemson Insider when asked if he has arranged any visits. “Still getting them squared away.”

Clemson is very much in the mix to get a visit from the elite lineman after sending him an official scholarship offer in early August.

“Something I’m definitely considering, yes,” he said.

Barnes (6-5, 312) participated in the previous two Dabo Swinney Camps with a tour group of prospects from Florida, so he has gotten a taste of Tiger Town.

But he is thinking about getting back on campus to see more of and learn more about Clemson.

“Just to see what the experience is like up there and the stuff there is to do up there,” he said.

In late July, Barnes cut his list of 20-plus offers down to seven schools: Florida, North Carolina, Florida State, Ohio State, Alabama, Auburn and Georgia.

Clemson is a factor after extending its offer, and Barnes said all of the aforementioned schools are still in contention.

“I’m still considering all those schools,” he said. “Really all of them are (recruiting me hard), so that’s why I put them in my top seven.”

Barnes will likely wait until signing day to make his decision.

What does he want to see from Clemson as he moves forward in his recruitment?

“See that they care about my recruiting relationship towards them,” he said.

Barnes is ranked by ESPN as the country’s No. 4 offensive guard and No. 56 overall prospect.

He could project as an offensive guard or tackle at the next level.

Roebuck (S.C.) Dorman’s Jordan McFadden is the other offensive line prospect who received an offer from Clemson this summer.