Clemson football recruiting: 4-star 2025 edge Ari Watford picks Tigers

Clemson added an important piece to its 2025 football recruiting efforts as four-star edge rusher Ari Watford pledged to Dabo Swinney and the Tigers.

Watford is a consensus four-star prospect according to all four major recruiting services, and the Norfolk, Va., native is regarded as the No. 21 overall prospect in the country in addition to placing No. 1 nationally at his position and first in his state.

The player chose Clemson over finalists Ohio State, Virginia Tech, and Syracuse.

Watford is a "big-framed, explosive pass rusher who looks like one of the top edge prospects early on in the 2025 cycle," according to On3 Sports.

He "has a quick first step. Bursts off the snap and explodes into the backfield to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Makes easy work of opposing offensive tackles in pass rush situations."

Clemson finished No. 8 in total defense nationally last season by allowing just under 288 total yards per game and was also top-10 against the pass, surrendering 173.2 yards per game on average. It begins the 2024 season against Georgia on Aug. 31.

Here's a look at Clemson's full 2025 football recruiting haul as of Jan. 24.

Ari Watford, No. 1 edge
Gideon Davidson, No. 5 RB
Amare Adams, No. 15 DL
Blake Hebert, No. 13 QB
Easton Ware, No. 19 IOL
Logan Brooking, No. 15 TE
Marquise Henderson, No. 34 RB
Carleton Preston, No. 90 WR

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