Episode Details

Episode Notes: SPECIAL GUEST: GRAYSON MANN / Clemson Tigers LIVE 206 / ALL IN SHOW 186 Hosts: Jordan Bowman & Edward “Tiger Paw” Craven Special Guest: Grayson Mann (TigerNet / ClemsonTigers.Net) Presented by FanDuel Aired on ClemsonVOCFB YouTube channel

Show Open

• Jordan Bowman and Tiger Paul Craven welcome listeners and introduce longtime friend and Clemson insider Grayson Mann of TigerNet.
• Shout-outs to regulars and channel members in chat (Arthur Moss, John Sarian, Wet Socks, Air Mike, etc.).
• Quick banter about an accidental 8 a.m. scheduling glitch and the impracticality of early-morning lives.
• Call to like, subscribe, share, and leave five-star reviews on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, etc. (search “Clemson Football Live”).

2028 Recruiting Spotlight – Trace Hawkins

• Four-star quarterback Trace Hawkins is set to announce his commitment (top six includes LSU, Vanderbilt, Duke).
• Strong momentum toward Clemson after multiple camps; Dabo Swinney and Tajh Boyd have been heavily involved.
• Grayson’s evaluation: “Poise” is the defining trait—tall in the pocket, timely/accurate throws, capable of creating outside the pocket. Not a pure dual-threat physical specimen like recent Clemson commits (Kyron Hughley, Tate Reynolds), but strong arm talent reminiscent of Tajh Boyd.
• Context: July has become the traditional month for Clemson QB commitments (Tate Reynolds two years ago, Kyron Hughley last year).
• Staff offered only two 2028 QBs (Hawkins and Trey Wright). First real evaluation cycle for OC Chad Morris. Staff is confident in either; first announcement is expected to lock the class. Hawkins favored.
• Hosts agree the approach of early campus visits and locking a QB as a centerpiece recruiter has worked well the last few cycles.

Current Roster – Quarterback Competition (Chris Vizzina vs. Tate Reynolds)

• Unique fall camp: first true QB battle Grayson has covered in five years at Clemson.
• Consensus: Vizzina is the safe Week 1 starter vs. LSU (experience edge, Dabo’s historical preference for the known quantity in big openers).
• Bigger long-term question is when (not if) Reynolds takes over. Staff loves his ceiling (arm, legs, high-school progression). Reynolds’ missed senior season creates an external question mark, but internal belief is high.
• Biggest endorsement of the room: staff declined a portal QB in January despite external calls for one. Combined starts in the room are minimal, yet Swinney publicly expressed confidence.
• Vizzina is not untalented (top-100 recruit, showed promise in his SMU relief appearance). Ceiling discussion and the need to “right the ship” after a 7-6 season explain the willingness to lean into Reynolds’ upside.
• Expect Reynolds to see packages/playing time early regardless of starter status. Meritocracy will decide the eventual hierarchy.

ACC Media Day Predictions

• ACC media voted Clemson 4th. Grayson’s personal order matched the top four: Miami 1, SMU 2, Louisville 3, Clemson 4.
• Wide variance among voters (Clemson ranging from 4th to 7th/8th). First time in years Clemson is not a near-unanimous 1 or 2.
• “ACC media curse” noted: recent No. 1 picks (Clemson 2023, Florida State 2024, Clemson 2025) all underperformed. Miami is the clear favorite to break it in 2026.
• Clemson sits in a “weird middle ground”—capable of surprising or of another average season.

Other Discussion Points

• Safety room: Notable upgrade in experience, fit, and football IQ vs. 2025. Corey Myrick (Southern Miss transfer, preseason All-ACC) highlighted as a heavy hitter who can play in the box, blitz, or cover. Miles better than last year’s group. Polo Anderson also expected to contribute.