Kamar Archie Faces Tough Decision, Prepares for Commitment
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Kamar Archie wrapped up the last of his official visits on June 23 after a weekend stay in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Archie, who excels as a linebacker and running back for The Hun School in Princeton, NJ, has Michigan, Clemson, or Rutgers as his final choice from over 30 schools.
Before spending time with the reigning national champions, Archie, the No. 12 linebacker recruit in the 2025 class, traveled to Clemson (May 31-June 2) and home state school Rutgers (June 14-16).
Archie (6'1, 225) went in-depth with ClemsonSportsTalk.com about each of his finalists.
Rutgers
“They've been recruiting me since my freshman year. I built a really great relationship with Coach [Greg] Schiano and most of the staff. I know and recognize almost everyone there. I've been to campus over 10 times because it's right there. So that's a great thing."
Michigan
"They won the natty and I can see why. The culture they built is really good. It's a blue-collar school. You're not going to find many people who come to Michigan and not work hard. Everybody's working there. And it's a great school, academically. That's another plus. I have a teammate from my school committed there. He was my host. I got to reconnect with him, ask him questions, and meet other linebackers. It was a great experience and it's definitely a place where I could see myself playing."
Clemson
"I feel good about Clemson too. It's a very special place and when I say, it's a special place. It's really a special place. Coach [Wes] Goodwin and I were able to connect and build a relationship before I even got to the official visit.
"I think the culture there is good as well. You see a lot of great people. Everybody's nice. And Coach [Dabo] Swinney does a great job of being personable with his players. He cares about his players and his staff, which is why they've been together for so long. You don't see many players hitting the portal or coaches leaving. The thing I like about Clemson is the stability, the emphasis on academics, and building young men while winning football games."
Archie, a Trenton, NJ native, didn't have to go far to visit Rutgers because the campus is approximately 25 miles from his hometown while Michigan is over 600 miles and a trip to Clemson is over 700 miles.
Is distance a concern for Archie?
"That's not a problem for me or my family," said Archie. "My parents always tell me don't make the decision based on us. Make the decision based on you, and it will be fine. Of course, if I stay home, it will be a lot easier for me. But going to Clemson or Michigan there also is a benefit -- growing as a young man. I won't have my parents there for everything. There will be times where I will have to take care of myself and handle my priorities without them."
Archie's parents accompanied him to Clemson and his father, Robert Archie, gave his thoughts on the environment.
"Well, for me, number one, is the vibe. The vibe that you feel around everybody there is a family-oriented environment," noted Robert. "The recruiting process can be hard and overwhelming for kids and Clemson did a great job of toning things down and creating a relaxing atmosphere. I want him to have fun too.
"I also love the location of the school," he continued. "It's in a location where it's meant for kids to focus. If you're going to get in trouble, you're going to have to find and make your own trouble."
Robert wants the best for his son regardless of the circumstances because he understands that student-athletes 'have a lot on their plates' and there will be 'ups and downs.' He feels the Clemson staff is well-equipped to be there for Kamar even if things are not going well.
"The main thing is support," stated Robert. "They did show that regardless of the situation, they have staff that you can go to if you need them. That's important."
Archie's choice of Rutgers, alongside Clemson and Michigan—programs with multiple championships and strong brand recognition—may perplex the avid college football fans. However, as I listened to him break down each school and visit, I could barely distinguish one from the other."
It's evident that the programs are neck and neck and he has a tough decision ahead.
"It's hard because each school is different as far as environment but they all have their pros," Archie said after a deep breath. "Right now, I just have to pray. I honestly think I can't go wrong but I just want to make the right decision, because it's something that's going to stay with me for the rest of my life."
Last year, Archie's season was limited to four full games after he suffered an injury against Blair Academy on October 7, 2023. He rushed for 339 yards with seven touchdowns on only 29 carries and made 16 tackles in only two games at linebacker, according to MaxPreps.
With official visits behind him and his recruitment shut down, it's decision time for Archie.
Archie said he could decide in the next couple of weeks but it will be hard and he's taking his time.
"With the official visits back to back to back, it's not easy because I felt I could've committed to each school that day. Official visits are supposed to feel like that. Now, I'm in the process where I want to put more thought and less feelings into it. I'm going to take more time and think about things."