Signal Caller’s Deadline: Hawkins’ July Decision
Calhoun (Ga.) quarterback Trace Hawkins, a four-star 2028 prospect ranked No. 256 nationally and No. 18 at his position, has set his commitment date for Thursday, July 30. His top six includes Clemson, LSU, Duke, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and Kentucky, with experts overwhelmingly predicting he’ll choose the Tigers. Hawkins has visited Clemson four times, attended the Dabo Swinney camp, and stands poised to be the first blue-chip QB off the board this cycle. With Tait Reynolds and Kharim Hughley already locked in previous classes, Clemson aims to secure Hawkins as its lone quarterback recruit for 2028, essentially sidelining three-star dual-threat Trey Wright.
In a move as shocking as finding kale at a tailgate, Hawkins’ commitment date has turned recruiting calendars into doomsday clocks. Experts predicting Clemson can’t resist him are basically saying the Tigers have more pull than free pizza at orientation. If Trace’s choice was a Netflix release, it’d be labeled “highly binge-worthy,” but we all know he’s really just trying to avoid awkward family drafts on Thanksgiving.
Indiana’s Rising Guard Tyson Names Final Six
La Lumiere (Ind.) combo guard Joshua Tyson, rated a consensus four-star and ranked No. 55 overall, announced his top six: Clemson, Xavier, Michigan State, Cincinnati, Ohio State and Virginia Tech. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 16.3 points, 3.8 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 2 steals per game as a junior at Lakota West before transferring to La Lumiere. He’s collected 14 Division I offers, taken multiple visits—most to Ohio State and Cincinnati—and shined on the Adidas 3Stripes circuit, posting 12.8 points per game. Ohio State, Cincinnati, Virginia Tech and Xavier appear to be front-runners, but Clemson’s new assistant coach Andre Morgan, who recruited Tyson heavily at Cincinnati, keeps the Tigers in contention.
Who knew recruiting was just like a reality show—except instead of canned confessions, you get Instagram highlights and AAU stats? Tyson’s whirlwind of visits is like speed dating for colleges: “Hi, I’m Joshua, I like points, assists and occasionally picking a school!” Meanwhile, Clemson’s secret weapon is a coach who’s more persuasive than that friend who convinces you to try skydiving—expect fireworks, or at least a flurry of official visit selfies.
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