“It’s a special place”: Lineman from Florida is very excited about Clemson

After some great experiences in Tiger Town this spring and summer, a promising junior player from the Sunshine State plans to visit Clemson again this fall.

Ben Bankowitz, interior offensive lineman for Edgewater High School (Orlando, Florida), class of 2026, will return to campus this season to attend a game at Death Valley.

“I’m definitely going to come to the game,” Bankowitz told The Clemson Insider. “I’m excited to get back to Clemson and be there in that incredible atmosphere.”

Bankowitz last traveled to Clemson in June when he had the opportunity to work with offensive line coach Matt Luke at the Dabo Swinney camp.

Bankowitz was very impressed with Luke and can’t wait to see him again on his next trip to Clemson.

“I know Coach Luke is preparing for a great season and making game plans,” Bankowitz said. “I’m looking forward to seeing him at a game sometime this fall. I’m really looking forward to it. Coach Luke is such a great guy and a really good coach that I’ve learned a lot from.”

Prior to attending Swinney Camp, Bankowitz made an unofficial visit to Clemson in mid-April, which was his first visit to campus.

The two visits to Clemson only increased his interest in Clemson and he said receiving an offer from the Tigers “would be incredible.”

“I’ve always liked Clemson, even more after my visit and camp,” he added. “It’s a special place and a school that I hold in high regard. An offer from Clemson would definitely impact my recruiting process greatly, as they would be one of my first choices if I were to play college football for them. Clemson is one of the best programs in all of college football and to be a part of it would be a blessing and very special.”

Bankowitz, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound junior, already has a couple of FBS offers from Cincinnati and FAU, and in addition to Clemson, he’s drawing interest from a number of power conference programs.

The schools he communicates with the most include Mississippi State, South Carolina, Missouri, Tennessee and Miami. In addition to Clemson, he plans to visit schools like Mississippi State, South Carolina, Missouri, Florida State, Maryland and UCF this upcoming season.

“Recruiting has been going really well,” he said. “I’ve had a fantastic recruiting season so far. I’ve talked to a lot of really great schools and I’m very grateful for all the love I’ve received. I’m really happy with the coaches I’ve talked to and the relationships I’ve built during the recruiting process. It’s been great.”

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