In-State Safety Kentavion Anderson Picks Clemson
Kentavion Anderson, a 6’2, 190-pound four-star safety from Roebuck (S.C.) Dorman High, has officially committed to Clemson. The top South Carolina prospect in the 2026 class announced his decision during a live ceremony on May 16, calling Tigers coach Dabo Swinney by FaceTime to deliver the news. In the moment that quickly went viral among fans, Anderson asked, “Where are we going, coach?” and could be heard smiling as Swinney responded, “Clemson” (and his family erupted in cheers). Anderson’s pledge was Clemson’s 15th in the 2026 cycle.
Anderson is highly regarded by recruiting services. ESPN lists him as the No. 2 prospect in South Carolina and the No. 128 player nationally in the Class of 2026 (with an 82 scout grade), while the On3 industry rankings put him around No. 134 overall (No. 11 among safeties). The 247Sports Composite has him even higher – roughly the No. 10 safety and No. 119 overall.
His size and measurables stand out as well: at 6-2, 190, he ran a reported 4.5-second 40-yard dash and jumped a 37-inch vertical. In high school, Anderson played multiple roles in the secondary and near the line of scrimmage, lining up as a strong safety and outside linebacker (nickel) on defense. This versatility – a hybrid defender who can cover receivers or support the run – should fit well in Clemson’s new scheme.
On the recruiting trail, Anderson drew interest from dozens of programs. He trimmed his finalists to a group that included Clemson, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, South Carolina and Virginia. He visited Clemson multiple times, including an unofficial visit in January after new DC Tom Allen was hired and the spring Elite Retreat in March.
Under Allen, Clemson will likely feature a 4-2-5 nickel defense emphasizing hybrid defensive backs. Anderson’s skill set is a natural fit: he played in the slot as a nickelback in high school and can run with slot receivers or tighten up as a rover in run defense. Clemson’s defense gains another versatile piece who can line up in the box, on the edge or in deep coverage. Anderson himself noted that he grew up a Clemson fan and was attracted by the program’s family-oriented culture; he joins former Dorman standouts like Charone Peake and Adam Humphries as a Dorman alum to play ball at Clemson.
Anderson’s commitment is a big get for the Tigers’ 2026 class. It gives Clemson its second high-profile safety of the cycle, joining fellow four-star Kaden Gebhardt, and adds to a class that ranks among the nation’s best.
