Dabo Swinney, Clemson’s culture win over 2028 TE Wright Martin: ‘It was home for me’
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Clemson stood out to Wright Martin early in his recruitment. After visiting several national programs this fall, the Nashville (Tenn.) Christ Presbyterian Academy tight end knew where he wanted to play college football. Martin returned to Clemson on Wednesday and committed to Dabo Swinney and the Tigers over Ohio State, Georgia, SMU, Virginia and Virginia Tech.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound prospect becomes Clemson’s second commitment in the 2028 class, joining quarterback Trace Hawkins.
“Clemson just feels a little different than other schools that I’ve been to, from touring campus to talking to their players and coaches,” Martin told Rivals. “It feels like it’s just bigger than football, and that’s something that me and my family value a lot.”
Martin attended a Clemson game during his sophomore year and returned for camp in June before receiving an offer in July. Georgia and Ohio State offered around the same time, giving him several major programs to evaluate.
He visited Ohio State for its recent win over Maryland and spent the fall comparing his top options before making his decision.
“I made this decision after talking with my parents and visiting all of my top schools this fall,” Martin said.
Swinney played a significant role in separating Clemson from the competition. Martin connected with the Tigers’ head coach during his June camp experience, when Swinney spoke to prospects about his personal journey, faith and lessons beyond football.
“Coach Swinney just has a different energy to him that I love a lot,” Martin said. “He’s a very good man and a very good coach. I think he’s one of the best leaders that we have in our culture of football.”
Tight ends coach Kyle Richardson led Clemson’s recruitment after extending the July offer. His consistent communication and relationship with Martin helped the Tigers maintain their position.
“Coach Rich, a lot like Coach Swinney, is such a good man and wants to help you become a great man,” Martin said. “And also is one of the best coaches around.”
Martin also has family connections to Clemson. His father, Ingle Martin, played quarterback at Florida and Furman and has served as the longtime head coach at CPA. He has known Clemson general manager Jordan Sorrells, another former Furman quarterback, for years.
Clemson also has recruiting history at CPA, having landed four-star linebacker Kane Patterson over Ohio State in the 2019 class. Still, Martin wanted to evaluate his options before making an early commitment. After seeing his leading contenders this fall, he felt no reason to extend the process.
“I visited a lot of my top schools this fall, and Clemson just felt right, like the place, and it was home for me,” Martin said. “Somewhere where I could thrive in football and after football.”
Martin returned to campus Wednesday to deliver his decision, giving Clemson another early addition to its 2028 class.
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