The Clemson offer is a dream for Streko, 'It still hasn’t hit me completely yet'
Running back Peyton Streko (West Forsyth High, GA) received an offer from Clemson on Saturday.
"This offer means a ton, after coming on multiple visits and talking with my family about how I would fit in it -- just feels like the perfect opportunity," Streko told Clemson Sports Talk.
"I didn’t believe it right away and it still hasn’t hit me completely yet, but it’s a dream come true," he added. "I’ve worked so hard to get to this point and it’s an amazing feeling knowing a very high-caliber football program has asked me to be a part of their team."
Clemson hasn't signed a running back in the 2023 class and Streko, a one-time Air Force commit, has offers from Air Force, Navy, and Army. With Jamarius Haynes, Jamarion Wilcox, and Jarvis Green, who will choose between Clemson and Virginia Tech on Tuesday, all expected to make their decisons soon.
What are the Tigers' plans for Streko?
"I spoke with Coach [Jordan] Sorrells today and he's going to get me on the phone with Coach [Dabo] Swinney and Coach [C.J.] Spiller to discuss the next steps in the process.”
According to Streko, the initial offer is to sign as a preferred walk-on.
Regardless of the type of offer, Streko, who carries a 3.8 GPA, is excited about the opportunity to enroll in the upstate university and join the football program.
"I feel like it would be a perfect fit for me. It’s exactly everything I’m looking for in a college and a football program," stated the Cumming, Ga native.
He's familiar with the program as he has made multiple visits to the campus including the Syracuse and Louisville games on Oct. 22 and Nov. 12, respectively. Streko watched the Tigers overcome a 14-point deficit against Syracuse and secure the 27-21 conference victory.
Streko loved what he saw from the players and coaches in their fight through adversity on that day and it was more evidence of what makes Clemson unique to him.
"The brotherhood that is formed through coach Swinney and the rest of their coaching staff," noted Streko after No. 5 Clemson defeated No. 14 Syracuse to remain undefeated. "Coach Swinney preaches how to work as a team and never give up, and it showed on the field today. It’s a winning program and that’s something I’d love to play for."
Those game day visits allowed him to build a relationship with Spiller as well.
"He’s just a great players coach," Streko said of the second-year running backs coach and Clemson legend. "He’s definitely someone who knows every aspect of the game and I can see why a lot of people want to play for him."
Streko said Spiller likes his vision, explosiveness, and big play ability and thinks he is similar to the team’s leading rusher Will Shipley.
The 5'10, 190-pounder resembles Shipley (5'11, 205) in stature and displays speed and determination, components of Shipley's rushing style.
In a shortened 2021 season due to an injury, he rushed for 659 yards with 11 touchdowns in 4 1/2 games. His best game came against Walton High (GA) when he had 252 yards and six touchdowns.
Streko finished 2022 with 1,140 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 126 yards per game and 6.7 yards per rush. On Sept. 9, he had a season and career-best 327 yards with five touchdowns against Cambridge High (GA).
Streko will be in Clemson on Tuesday for his official visit.
