Marquis Bryant: Rising 2027 Defensive Back Shines on Clemson Visit
Rolesville, North Carolina’s Marquis Bryant, a four-star defensive back in the class of 2027, made waves this weekend with his visit to Clemson University, where he earned a coveted scholarship offer from head coach Dabo Swinney following an impressive performance at the Dabo Swinney Football Camp. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound sophomore, already a unanimous Top 250 prospect, is emerging as one of the nation’s top defensive talents, and his latest trip to Clemson further solidified his status as a priority recruit for the Tigers and a host of other Power Five programs.
Clemson Offer: A Dream Come True
Bryant’s visit to Clemson on June 7, 2025, culminated in a scholarship offer from the Tigers, a moment he described as “a dream come true” on his X account. The offer came after he showcased his skills at Swinney’s annual camp, catching the eye of Clemson’s defensive staff, including defensive backs coach Mike Reed and Safeties coach Mickey Conn. Bryant’s connection to Clemson runs deep; he’s been a fan since watching Deshaun Watson lead the Tigers to a national championship in 2016. “It would mean a lot to me and my family,” Bryant told The Clemson Insider about the prospect of playing for Clemson, a sentiment echoed during his earlier visit to the program’s junior day on March 9, 2024.
The Tigers’ offer adds Clemson to an already impressive list of nearly 20 Power Five programs vying for Bryant’s commitment. His performance at the camp, where he worked closely with coaches like Tom Allen (former Penn State defensive coordinator) and Chris Rumph, highlighted his fit within Clemson’s defensive scheme, which emphasizes versatility and physicality in the secondary.
Offers Pouring In
Bryant’s recruitment is heating up, with nearly 20 power conference programs extending offers. In addition to Clemson, schools like Michigan, Miami, Georgia, Florida State, Tennessee, Penn State, North Carolina, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, and Ole Miss are in the mix. His first ACC offer came from NC State, a program some consider an early favorite due to Rolesville’s proximity to Raleigh. Other notable offers include Alabama, Notre Dame, and South Carolina, with Bryant scheduled to visit the Gamecocks on March 8, 2025, as part of a spring visit tour that also includes Georgia Tech, Alabama, Notre Dame, and Tennessee.
The early attention from elite programs underscores Bryant’s potential as a game-changer in the secondary. His ability to attract such widespread interest as a high school sophomore speaks to his rare combination of size, speed, and instincts.
Athletic Ability and Talent Breakdown
Marquise Bryant is a versatile defensive back who plays both safety and cornerback, offering the kind of positional flexibility that college coaches covet. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he has the ideal frame for a modern defensive back, blending length, physicality, and speed. Our evalution note his smooth movement and willingness to play physically, traits that align with what South Carolina’s defensive backs coach Torrian Gray seeks in prospects.
During his freshman season at Rolesville High School in 2023, Bryant put up eye-popping numbers: 53 tackles (33 solo), one sack, one forced fumble, three interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. These stats earned him all-state honors in a highly competitive North Carolina high school football landscape, where he helped lead Rolesville to a 12-2 record and the NAC 6 Conference title. His ability to make plays on the ball—evidenced by his interceptions and pass breakups—highlights his instincts and ball skills, while his tackle totals show his willingness to engage in run support.
Bryant’s athleticism extends beyond football. As a two-sport athlete, he also competes in basketball, showcasing his versatility and explosiveness. His size and athletic profile have drawn comparisons to elite defensive backs, with some recruiting analysts suggesting he could develop into a potential five-star prospect by the time his recruitment wraps up. Rivals ranks him as high as No. 128 overall and the No. 13 safety in the 2027 class, while 247Sports lists him as the No. 7 cornerback and No. 2 prospect in North Carolina.
Clemson Connection and Visit Highlights
Bryant is no stranger to Clemson’s campus, having visited for the Tigers’ blowout win over NC State in September 2024 and again for their junior day in March 2024. He’s set to return for Clemson’s regular-season finale against rival South Carolina on November 30, 2025, a game that could further solidify the Tigers’ place in his recruitment. During his latest visit, Bryant worked closely with Clemson’s coaching staff, who were impressed by his ability to compete against top talent in the camp setting. His performance earned high praise, with Swinney and his staff quickly extending an offer to keep Bryant on their radar.
Clemson’s family atmosphere, NFL-caliber coaching staff, and track record of developing defensive backs like Andrew Mukuba and Nate Wiggins make it a strong contender in Bryant’s recruitment. The Tigers’ defensive scheme, which often employs a 4-3 base and allows defensive backs to showcase their versatility, is a natural fit for Bryant’s skill set.
The Road Ahead
With two years of high school football left, Bryant’s recruitment is still in its early stages, but his trajectory suggests he could become one of the top defensive backs in the 2027 class. His upcoming visits to programs like Alabama, Notre Dame, and Tennessee will give him a chance to compare Clemson’s pitch to other elite programs. Meanwhile, in-state schools like NC State and North Carolina are likely to push hard, leveraging their proximity and early offers.
Bryant’s combination of size, athleticism, and production makes him a rare talent. His ability to play multiple positions in the secondary, coupled with his knack for making game-changing plays, positions him as a potential cornerstone for any program’s defense. For Clemson, securing Bryant would continue their recent success in recruiting top North Carolina talent, as seen with 2025 commits like Bryce Davis and Isaiah Campbell.
As Bryant continues to develop, the college football world will be watching closely. For now, his visit to Clemson and the subsequent offer have added another chapter to his rapidly growing recruitment story, with the Tigers firmly in the race for this dynamic defensive back.
“Five Questions” Q&A with Marquis :
CSN: Describe your clemson visit to us in a few sentences.. What stood out from the time u walked on campus ?
“That was my 4th time on campus so it wasn’t nothing I haven’t seen before. But what I can say the people are always great and good to be around and the environment is very welcoming.”
CSN: What was your first impression of the coaching staff and especially coach Mickey Conn?
“My first impression was great they introduced themselves and told me they would be watching hard and following and they’ve kept their word since. that always shows out about someone character especially coming from an collage football program..”
CSN: In your one on one time with Coach Swinney what stood out that you can say is different than other HC’s you’ve spoke to in your visits?
“Just the straightforward ness he has between his coaches and players. you can tell he really cares about his program and the people he has on staff. it was an honor to be in the same room as him and even getting the chance to speak with him”
CSN: What are you looking for in regards to a home for you academically and development within your football career?
“Basically life after collage, that welcoming and at home feeling I would need to feel… because U would be so far from home. the coaches being able to developed me as a person and a man.”
CSN: Name a pop reference of something that you like in life outside of football you know, art music artist or a certain artist or a certain thing you like do you like fishing maybe. And who is your most influential athlete and person in your life?
“My dad is someone I always look up to as in being a man, a father, a husband all the above I would want to be when I am older even outside of being a great football player. as in life outside of football I like to play video games, workout, fish, cook some meals up and just be a teenager. You’re only that once so I try to take full advantage of the recruiting process and fame while also being a kid…”
