Clemson University has secured its first commitment for the 2027 football recruiting class, landing four-star linebacker Max Brown from Jefferson, Georgia. Brown, a standout at Jefferson High School, chose the Tigers over offers from prominent programs including Georgia, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, LSU, and Tennessee .
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 220 pounds, Brown is recognized for his exceptional defensive skills. As a sophomore, he recorded an impressive 152 total tackles, averaging over 10 stops per game, along with 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries . Rivals ranks him as the No. 82 overall prospect and the No. 4 linebacker nationally in the 2027 class .
Brown’s commitment to Clemson continues a family tradition, as he is the younger brother of current Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown. Max has been a frequent visitor to Clemson, participating in the Dabo Swinney Camp for several years and attending the program’s “The Underclass Experience.” His parents, both Furman University graduates, have longstanding ties to the region, further strengthening his connection to the school .
In an interview with The Clemson Insider, Brown expressed his admiration for the program’s integrity and development-focused approach:
> “The people up there, they do it the right way. They don’t mess around with none of the underground, shady stuff, and they make sure that you’re going to be a better man than you are a football player. But they’re also going to make sure you’re a better football player than you were when you got there.”
Brown’s early commitment is a significant boost for Clemson’s 2027 recruiting efforts, especially as the program aims to strengthen its linebacker corps. With no linebacker commitments in the 2026 class and only one high school linebacker in the 2025 class, Brown’s addition addresses a critical need . His decision also signals Clemson’s continued appeal to top-tier talent, particularly within Georgia, a state known for its rich football recruiting landscape.
As Clemson continues to build its 2027 class, Brown’s commitment sets a strong foundation and exemplifies the program’s emphasis on character, development, and family legacy.