CLEMSON – One of the many recruits on hand for Saturday’s game against South Carolina was 2026 offensive lineman Malcolm Gaston.

This was the second game day visit for the 4-star in-state talent. Gaston was also on hand for the home opener against App State.

“Man, it was amazing,” Gaston told The Clemson Insider. “Just that rivalry atmosphere. It has been a long time since Carolina has been good.”

Gaston did not have the opportunity to speak with offensive line coach Matt Luke, but he did get to meet with Dabo Swinney.

“It went pretty good,” Gaston said. “We got to talk a little bit. A little small talk. He asked me if I went hunting before I came up.”

While Saturday never presented the opportunity to speak with Luke, that does not mean he isn’t hearing from the assistant coach on a very regular basis.

“Every day,” Gaston added. “Just to see how things are going. To see how the move to center is going for me.”

Georgia and South Carolina are the only other two schools that have gotten game day visits. Gaston has been trying to stay close to home this fall as his North Augusta high school team has eyes on winning a 4A state title.

After rolling over Gilbert 63-14 at home last week, the Yellowjackets will now host South Florence, who has appeared in the state title game in back-to-back years, winning it all in 2022.

With the Bruins featuring 5-star defensive lineman and Clemson commit, Amare Adams, this is a matchup that Gaston is very much looking forward to.

“He is a really solid player,” Gaston said. “So, it is going to come down to my fundamentals and how good my skill is in pass protection. I don’t think no one in the state can beat us.”

Once his high school season is complete, Gaston plans to ramp up the recruiting process after the end of the year and he is looking at possibly announcing a decision as late as January of 2026.

Georgia, Florida State and Virginia Tech are a few of the offers he currently has, but it is the one from Clemson Gaston is really looking to add to the list.

“That has always been a dream of mine, just to run down that hill,” Gaston said. “I would be jumping up and down. I would probably be headed up there the next day.”

A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!