Offensive lineman Rowan Byrne planned to make four official visits before deciding on a college, but that was before he visited Clemson. By the time the New Rochelle (N.Y.) Iona hopeful left campus on Sunday, he knew he had found a home. He considered making his other official visits, but eventually felt they were unnecessary. The 6-foot-6, 297-pound Byrne, the highest uncommitted player in New York, has now committed. He declared for Clemson on Thursday.
When he arrived for his formal visit on Friday, he swiftly made his decision. He arrived without an offer, but that soon changed when one was extended during a chat with coach Dabo Swinney and offensive line coach Matt Luke. Bryne also competes in throwing contests for Iona’s track team.
His personal-best in the shot put is 48-10 1/2, in the discus is 132-2 and the hammer throw is 123-8.
Here’s everything you need to know:
WHAT ROWAN BYRNE SAYS ABOUT CLEMSON
“You hear about family atmosphere at a lot of places but there wasn’t really a family atmosphere there because it was actually a family,” Byrne said. “That is really what it was there. That stood out the most to me. You feel like you’re part of the family when you’re there. It’s a really unique, really special thing.”
WHO ELSE WAS IN THE MIX?
Byrne had scheduled official trips to Michigan State, Florida State, and Penn State, but he discovered everything he wanted at Clemson and opted to finish his recruitment. Although he is not making the officials, he is well-versed with Penn State, which he has visited several times, and a multi-day trip to Florida State in the spring provided him with extensive knowledge of the Seminoles. Michigan State became significantly interested in the spring but did not have the opportunity to welcome Bryne, who knew he wanted to attend Clemson after his visit.
WHERE ROWAN BYRNE RANKS AS A RECRUIT
Bryne has a 247Sports grade of 88, which makes him the No. 3 player in New York and No. 52 offensive tackle in the nation. The industry-generated 247Sports Composite has Wilson as the No. 459 player in the class of 2025.
HOW ROWAN BYRNE FITS WITH CLEMSON
Byrne was aware that Clemson’s offensive line would fill up rapidly in June, and he wanted to be in the class, so he forewent his other visits to join the Tigers. He joins Brayden Jacobs of Buford High School in Georgia and Eason Ware of Lynchburg Liberty Christian School in Virginia as offensive lineman in the class. He is the 13th member of Clemson’s top-ranked ACC class and No. 3 overall.
