2025 Four-Star RB Gideon Davidson Commits To Clemson Over Tennessee, Others

2025 four-star running back Gideon Davidson has committed to the Clemson Tigers over the Tennessee Volunteers and several other suitors.

2025 four-star running back Gideon Davidson is one of the top backs in the cycle. He burst onto the national recruiting scene in his freshman season, tallying 1,291 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. He averaged over 11 yards per carry that year and quickly started drawing offers and interest from major Power-5 programs.

He always intended to commit early on in the process. Davidson released his top ten schools on April 14 and quickly set a commitment date. Clemson, Colorado, Iowa State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, and USC encompass that group, but Davidson ultimately chose Clemson. He was the program's first 2025 offer at the running back position after a recent unofficial visit, and that offer was all he needed to pull the trigger.

Prospect: Gideon Davidson

Projected Position: Running Back

Vitals: 6-0 and 193 pounds

School: Liberty Christian Academy (Lynchburg, Virginia)

Frame: Definitely needs to add weight to his lower body. Doesn't have the elite 1% athletic traits that would allow him to play at his current weight in college. Davidson can certainly add weight and has steadily progressed since his freshman season.

Athleticism: While not the 1%, his athletic profile is outstanding. He touts a 10.69 100-meter dash and a 20-7 long jump, two really strong marks for an underclassman. The athleticism translates to the game tape, an important quantifier. Davidson sinks his hips better than most backs; he drops and quickly can redirect and then burst into open space.

Instincts: Has natural muscle twitch. Davidson's hand-to-eye coordination is very impressive and shows when he plays safety because, of course, he does. He reads the entire field well and isn't second-guessing himself. When he sees something, he goes. Simple as it may sound, most players at this age are TOO patient, waiting seconds before making a move. Sometimes those seconds can be the difference between a negative play and an explosive one.

Polish: The physicality needs work. Going to the same program that developed current Clemson running back Will Shipley will help, as they have a proven track record of getting backs ready for Power-5 competition. Athletically, he should be ready to play immediately.

Bottom Line: A strong pickup for the Tigers and a good first addition to their 2025 class. Tennessee lost out on one of the better backs in the 2025 cycle and will now pivot to other names to find that same mold of player - a high-level track athlete who can power through arm tackles and get to their top gear quickly.

You Might Also Like:

• Alabama Trending For Four-Star OT Daniel Calhoun
• What Would It Take For Tennessee To Make The CFP?
• Tennessee Freshman Faces: Nico Iamaleava

Join the community:

Follow Evan Crowell on Twitter: @EvanVCrowell

You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook @VolunteerCountry & follow us on Twitter at @VCountryFN.