A week after receiving an offer from Clemson, Shelby (N.C.) Crest safety Lannden Zanders was able to check out the school and program Saturday.

Zanders visited Clemson for its junior day and came away impressed by the Tigers.

“It was a great visit,” Zanders told The Clemson Insider. “I got to watch the team practice. I got to see how the coaches interact with the players and how they coach them and how they handle different situations.

“All around it was a really fun day.”

Zanders (6-1, 185) spent the most time with Clemson safeties coach Mickey Conn and cited their conversation as the highlight of his visit.

“I got to talk to most of the coaching staff, specifically talk to coach Conn most of the time,” Zanders said. “We talked about how I would make an impact if I were to go to Clemson as a freshman.”

Zanders was also intrigued by the facilities Clemson has to offer.

“Definitely some great facilities,” he said.

Zanders was accompanied by his father and younger cousin, both of whom enjoyed their experience on campus as well.

“They had a great time,” Zanders said. “They love Clemson.”

East Carolina was the first to offer Zanders last October, followed by offers from Appalachian State, Georgia Southern and Vanderbilt over the next couple of months. His recruitment picked up fast in February, with offers from Georgia Tech, Clemson and Tennessee coming in late last month.

Zanders has also been to North Carolina, NC State and Tennessee this year. He is planning visits to Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt and perhaps Penn State.

Clemson is in a good spot with Zanders after Saturday’s visit.

“It was definitely an eye opener,” he said.

As a junior in 2017, Zanders logged 47 tackles, including six for loss, and four interceptions. Offensively, he rushed 10 times for 95 yards and caught 16 passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns.

Zanders hails from the same school as Clemson freshman defensive end Justin Foster.