Clemson went to the Peach State and beat out Georgia for one of the top linebackers in the country.
North Gwinnett linebacker Barrett Carter committed to Clemson over the Bulldogs, Auburn and Ohio State on Tuesday night. He announced his decision on Fox 5 Atlanta TV.
Carter planned to take his official visits before committing but said that he knows Clemson is the right spot for him. He announced his choice on his mom's birthday.
"I could visit Clemson a million times and before each visit I'll get butterflies before. I think that feeling just can't go unnoticed with a school, so that's why," Carter told Fox 5 Atlanta. "They say the water is different at Clemson and I can truly see that."
Carter is ranked as a four-star recruit and the No. 56 overall player in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He is listed as the No. 4 outside linebacker in the nation.
Carter was named all-state last season after recording 10 sacks and 19 tackles for loss.
North Gwinnett teammate Jordan Hancock, a four-star cornerback, had already committed to Clemson for the class of 2021. Hancock announced his decision in March, shortly after taking an unofficial visit to Clemson's campus.
"I could tell after our last visit that Jordan was really feeling it. I really wanted to take my officials but I couldn't wait any longer. I was ready," Carter said. "Clemson _ there's such a great balance of academic and sports. Just a school that can balance both of those ... that's a kind of school I want to be with."
The fact that Clemson had two defenders drafted in the first year of the 2020 NFL draft also factored into Carter's decision.
"That stands out to me a lot," he said. "That's my goal to make it to the league, so just to see that, I like that."
Carter gives Clemson 11 commits for the class of 2021. The class is ranked No. 3 in the country by 247Sports Composite.
