Breaking Down the Board: Defensive Backs

They say life comes at you fast-- and for me, I guess summer hit me right in the face as the Fourth of July completely knocked me off course. For whatever reason, I never released our final Breaking Down the Board piece on the 2026 recruiting class.

Since we’ve been away, the Tigers added their first commitment in the class as four-star Tait Reynolds‍ committed on July 7. Reynolds becomes the anchor for the class, and having a versatile quarterback secured is a huge deal for Garrett Riley’s offense. 

As for the final group in our series, defensive backs, here is where things stand for Coach Mike Reed at cornerback and Coach Mickey Conn at safety. I can tell you that Reed and Conn covet versatility at the positions, so sometimes, these prospects are interchangeable if the roster presents that opportunity due to injury or attrition. 

Let’s start at cornerback. Clemson has offered four prospects at the position, with Samari Matthews‍ being the highest rated, according to On3, with a 92.73 rating. We caught up with Matthews in a recent long-form interview, and he told ClemsonSportsTalk.com that he can see himself being coached by Mike Reed. 

CORNERBACKS

Jamarrion Gordon‍ (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

• On3 Rating: 88.68
• Height/Weight: 6'0", 175 lbs
• High School: Jackson High, Jackson, AL

Shavar Young Jr.‍ (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

• On3 Rating: 91.55
• Height/Weight: 5'11", 175 lbs
• High School: Brentwood Academy, Nashville, TN

Chaston Smith‍ (⭐⭐⭐)

• On3 Rating: 86.84
• Height/Weight: 6'1", 145 lbs
• High School: McCallie School, Knoxville, TN

Samari Matthews‍ (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

• On3 Rating: 92.73
• Height/Weight: 6'0", 172 lbs
• High School: William Amos Hough, Huntersville, NC

At safety, Zelus Hicks‍ has to be considered the top prospect on the board for Clemson. Unfortunately, at this time, none of the three offers seem to have the Tigers at the top of their list, and it’s going to take some work to maneuver toward the top. But as you know, Clemson doesn’t have a microwave mentality; it’s the slow cooker approach, and time is on their side with these prospects just entering their junior year of high school. 

SAFETIES

Zelus Hicks‍ (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

• On3 Rating: 94.16
• Height/Weight: 6'2", 180 lbs
• High School: Carrollton High, Carrollton, GA

J'Zavien Currence‍ (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

• On3 Rating: 92.02
• Height/Weight: 6'3", 210 lbs
• High School: South Pointe, Rock Hill, SC

Xavier Lherisse‍ (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

• On3 Rating: 89.55
• Height/Weight: 5'11"
• High School: Eau Gallie, Melbourne, FL