A Dream Realized: Blivens Joins the Tigers
The Unforeseen Call That Changed Everything
Cam Blivens, a prominent senior wide receiver from Lipscomb Academy, faced an uncertain future regarding his college football career. After retracting his commitment to Columbia and opting out of the early signing period, he was actively exploring options for higher education and football. His quest took an extraordinary turn when he received an unexpected FaceTime call from Clemson's head football coach, Dabo Swinney, during a school day. This direct and personal approach from a high-profile coach was a complete surprise to Blivens, who initially questioned the call's authenticity.
Clemson's Unexpected Opportunity
Blivens' commitment to Clemson was officially announced on January 18th, following a successful campus visit with the Tigers. Coach Swinney revealed that an unforeseen opening on the team's roster, caused by a receiver entering the transfer portal, created the opportunity. This unexpected vacancy, combined with an endorsement from Lipscomb Academy coach Trent Dilfer—a close associate of Swinney—led to the direct outreach to Blivens. The star athlete, who also had offers from institutions like Pittsburgh, Appalachian State, and UAB, quickly recognized the significance of the Clemson offer.
A Multi-Talented Athlete's Journey
Blivens, a three-star recruit ranked as the 73rd best player in Tennessee's 2026 class by 247Sports Composite, showcased exceptional versatility in his high school career. In 2025, he amassed an impressive 1,086 receiving yards and nine touchdowns from 63 catches. His athletic prowess extended beyond receiving, as he also contributed a rushing touchdown, two passing touchdowns, three interceptions on defense, and two punt return touchdowns. Furthermore, Blivens was a Division II-AA Mr. Basketball finalist in 2024, demonstrating his all-around athletic talent with averages of 22.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.6 steals in the past season. Despite his success in basketball, football emerged as his primary passion.
Finding a Family at Clemson
The decisive factor in Blivens' commitment was his firsthand experience during his visit to Clemson. He described the atmosphere as incredibly welcoming, likening it to a large family. The personalized attention he received, being the sole recruit on campus at the time, allowed for extensive quality time with Coach Swinney, receivers coach Tyler Grisham, and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. This intimate and supportive environment solidified his decision, making Clemson feel like the perfect fit for his athletic and personal growth.