The phrase 'Blood runs deep' rings true throughout college football, especially in regards to one ascending recruit.
2025 three-star Central (AL) offensive tackle Mal Waldrep holds more than a dozen Division I offers, but Clemson holds a special place in his heart. His grandfather, Joe Waldrep, played linebacker for the Tigers from 1962 to 1966.
"He would be very excited for me to go to Clemson," Waldrep said. "To see him happy for me, makes me happy."
The talented lineman's family connections with the Tigers only strengthens what is already a tight-knit relationship, with whom he talks with on a daily basis.
"I talk with at least one coach from Clemson everyday," Waldrep said. "That really shows that they care about me and want me to be a part of their program."
Dabo Swinney is not the only Tiger after Waldrep, with Auburn hot on the trail for the talented in-state product. The program is just 40 minutes down the road from Phenix City, which creates an obvious appeal for a local product.
"I believe coach Freeze is building something special at Auburn," Waldrep said. "He’s got great players and a great staff. I’m interested to see how they do this year overall."
But Georgia, fresh off their second consecutive national championship, has also cemented themselves as one of the team's to watch in Waldrep's recruitment.
"Georgia is Georgia," Waldrep said. "There’s no other way to put it. They are the back-to-back national champions and have another elite team this year. The greatest thing is, is that they want me to be a part of it."
The 6-foot-4, 280-pound lineman has locked in visits to Alabama, Florida State and Georgia, with another visit to Clemson still in the works.
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