Clemson University announced the verbal commitment of four-star quarterback Trace Hawkins, a native of Calhoun, Georgia, to its 2028 recruiting class. The pledge marks the Tigers’ first official pledge for the upcoming cycle and continues a pattern of landing highly touted signal-callers.
Hawkins, ranked No. 21 among quarterbacks nationwide by the 247Sports composite, chose the ACC powerhouse over a final slate that included Vanderbilt, Duke, Virginia Tech, Kentucky and LSU. His decision underscores the program’s ability to stay ahead of SEC and ACC rivals in the talent market.
A Recruit With Immediate Impact
At Calhoun High School, Hawkins already boasts a state championship earned as a freshman in 2024, where he was named MVP of the title game. As a sophomore he threw for 2,442 yards and 24 touchdowns while also rushing for 153 yards and three scores, averaging 216.3 total yards per game.
Beyond football, he has proven himself a competent basketball player, posting 15 points, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game as a sophomore. His 21-6 record as a starter over two seasons reflects a winning pedigree that aligns with Clemson’s expectations for future leaders.
The commitment adds to a recruiting trajectory that includes the recent arrival of Cade Klubnik, the last five-star quarterback to join the Tigers before Hawkins. While Klubnik’s arrival set a high bar, Hawkins’ pledge suggests the program is poised to maintain its upward momentum.
Coaches and analysts alike view the pledge as a signal that Clemson’s recruiting pipeline remains robust, positioning the Tigers to compete for national titles well beyond the immediate future.