Clemson is among many programs recruiting one of the nation’s top-ranked junior running backs, five-star Noah Cain.

Cain — one of the standouts at IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) — visited Clemson for the first time in October. He attended Clemson’s game against Georgia Tech and picked up a scholarship offer from the Tigers while on campus.

Clemson returned the favor with a visit to Cain last week. Co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach Tony Elliott stopped by IMG last Friday to check up on the blue-chip 2019 prospect.

“I spoke with coach Elliott for a good minute,” Cain told The Clemson Insider.

What was the conversation centered around?

“School and football,” Cain said.

Being paid a visit by a member of the defending national champs meant a lot to Cain. He said the fact that Elliott came by his school to see him improved Clemson’s standing in his recruitment.

“It did,” Cain said. “They’re moving up on my list.”

Cain was impressed by what he saw from the Tigers the last time they took the field on Dec. 2. Clemson throttled Miami 38-3 to claim a third straight ACC title and third consecutive berth in the College Football Playoff.

“Dominant performance,” Cain said, “and they’re playoff ready.”

Cain (5-11, 205) said he doesn’t plan to make his college decision until next December. He carries close to two dozen offers, including ones from Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas and others.

Through eight games this season, Cain had 524 rushing yards on 86 attempts (6.1 yard average) with six touchdowns.

He transferred to IMG from Denton (Texas) Guyer after his sophomore year in 2016, when he rushed for 1,683 yards and 22 scores.