When it comes to recruiting, parents and family members play a pivotal role in the process. Not only do college coaches have to sell recruits on their school and program, but they have to convince the family, too.

Oftentimes, a parent’s opinion on a school is just as important as the prospect’s. Parents want to feel confident that their kid is in good hands with the college of choice and a good fit at the place they will be spending the next three to five years.

For Clemson, winning over the family isn’t a problem. Just ask the parents.

The Clemson Insider spoke exclusively with several parents of Clemson signees in the 2018 class ahead of the early signing period and National Signing Day. Those parents provided a unique perspective on why they feel Clemson is special and the best school for their sons.

For the father of Snellville (Ga.) defensive end Justin Mascoll, it was the sincerity of Clemson’s coaching staff throughout his son’s recruitment that stood out.

“There’s no sugarcoating it,” Mascoll’s father said of the way Clemson handled the process. “You’ve got to love it compared to some of the other schools we’ve traveled to. Everything was up front.”

Covington (Ga.) defensive tackle Darnell Jefferies’ dad cited Clemson’s family atmosphere as a chief factor in his son’s choice to go there.

“There was just something special about Clemson,” Jefferies’ father said. “Clemson is family. It’s like family since day one.”

That sentiment was echoed by the father of Rock Hill (S.C.) kicker BT Potter.

“It sounds like a cliché, and you hear it all the time about Clemson being family, and it is truly family,” Potter’s dad said. “It’s just a family atmosphere. … Everybody was just genuine, very open, very friendly.”

Potter’s mother agreed that she sensed something different at Clemson.

“Nobody was putting on a show. It was just that’s who they are,” she said. “I had heard all the things about Clemson, but when we got to see that and be a part of it, we knew it would be a good place for BT to be. So it’s an answered prayer for our family and for BT.”