Sometimes all you need is a last impression. Following day one of Dabo Swinney’s annual high school camp, Clemson extended an offer to Class of 2026 wide receiver Donovan Murph of Columbia (SC) Irmo.
Murph knew that a good showing Tuesday would result in a Clemson offer, but his mindset heading into the day was simply to have fun and get better.
“My mindset at the end of the day was just going out and having fun,” Murph said. “I wanted to compete against the guys and play live in front of (wide receivers coach) Coach (Tyler) Grisham. I was able to compete and have fun, and it was an awesome experience.”
When working with Grisham, Murph was ready to soak in every bit of information thrown his way.
Coach Grisham had been to some of my practices, and today we talked about the importance of tucking the ball in so the DB can’t get it out,” he said. “I saw that translate when we went to one-on-ones, and it worked well.”
Murph only participated in one of the two sessions, but that time in Session 2 was used to take an unofficial visit. From there, he was extended an offer.
“The first session ended, and I was able to take an unofficial visit during the second session,” said Murph. “We got around campus, and I saw some new things, and when we got back, Coach (Dabo) Swinney offered me.”
Murph has 23 offers, including Alabama, Auburn, Miami, North Carolina, and others, but his one from Clemson stood out significantly.
“It was really special,” said Murph. “He’s the only head coach who has offered me out of all my 23 offers. Knowing that I was one of the first wide receivers in the class of 2026 that was offered, and to see my hard work pay off, it was a blessing.”
Murph plans to visit Ole Miss, Alabama, and Texas A&M, among other schools, this summer, but he’s focused on narrowing down his choices to those that fit him personally.
I want to see a school that can develop me as a player and a young man,” said Murph. “I want a place that fits me and a family environment that treats me and my family well.’
When it comes to that family atmosphere, Clemson certainly fits the bill of the kind of school Murph is looking for.
“The family environment stands out the most to me. They are player-based, and you can see that from being around campus. Everyone knows each other, and everybody loves each other. Everyone’s a part of the family,” Murph said.
That family aspect has stood out in his relationship with Grisham, where the pair’s relationship has grown over a strong foundation in their faith.
“We are continuing to build a great relationship,” said Murph. “He’s a faith-centered man and puts God first in everything he does. That aligns with what I do in my life, and we really connect in that way. He teaches me a lot; I’m blessed to have him.”
For Murph, he hasn’t set an official time for when he wants to make a decision, but he knows he will be committed going into his senior year. Regarding Clemson’s standing with Murph, they rank high on his list.
“Oh yeah, they are definitely at the top.”
