South Carolina

Football

Norfolk (Virginia) Maury coach Dyrri McCain said he never has to worry about Ari Watford being ready for the challenge – no matter if it's on or off the field. McCain said he's extremely proud of how Watford is prepared for anything, whether it's a tough matchup on the field or in the classroom. "With him, I'm just never into talking about his film or his play," McCain told WTKR. "That's going to be on display. That speaks for itself. He takes his academics seriously, he takes everything he does with a purpose seriously, when he's in the weight room, it's serious business. He just has a professional mindset now." Watford was a MaxPreps sophomore All-American and all-state selection in 2022 with 12 sacks. In 2023, he helped lead Maury to the state title with seven sacks. “I think I set the edge well,” Watford said. “I rush off the edge with quickness, and I use my hands precisely when beating my opponent. I am also a vocal leader on the field with my teammates. I have the ability to stop the run anywhere. I think I have a skill set that can be developed and coached.”

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Clemson Tigers

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Clemson hasn't dipped into the transfer portal too much this offseason having signed three players thus far -- but the Tigers have secured more

Clemson HC Dabo Swinney

Clemson Tigers Football

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On3 NIL

On3 NIL Valuation: High school EDGE averages

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Rivals Football Recruiting

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Industry 5-Stars AFI

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Elite 2025 EDGE Ari Watford of Norfolk (VA) Maury High announced his commitment to Clemson Wednesday afternoon.  The 6-foot-5, 230 pounder chose the

Recruiting Q&A (60)

No. 1 2025 EDGE Ari Watford commits to Clemson

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BWI Recruiting

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With National Signing Day now behind us and a huge matchup with Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl tomorrow, there's a lot for Penn State fans to be excited

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COLUMBUS — Ohio State is in dire need of edge rushers both for 2024 and 2025. The legendary defensive line coach Larry Johnson hasn't brought in the

Deshawn Warner

Lettermen Row Football Recruiting

Ohio State sends out three new EDGE offers. Who are they?

Ari Watford is one of the most wanted recruits in America.  The elite 2025 EDGE out of Norfolk (Va.) Maury has offers from coast to coast and is busy

Maury Commodores edge rusher Ari Watford (EJ Holland/On3)

The Wolverine Football Recruiting

Ari Watford, nation's No. 2 ranked EDGE, looking to make first visit to Michigan

Top 100 2025 Michigan EDGE target Ari Watford recorded several tackles and blocked a punt en route to leading Norfolk (Va.) Maury to a blowout 68-8

Wolverine TV: Game clips of Top 100 Michigan EDGE target Ari Watford

Ari Watford saw his phone blow up on August 1, the first date college coaches were allowed to directly reach out to prospects in the 2025 recruiting

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Top 10 overall prospect Ari Watford shares latest on Michigan, potential visit

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Bryce Underwood

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Top 10 overall prospect Ari Watford recaps recent Penn State visit and much more

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Ari Watford, the nation's No. 2 EDGE in 2025, talks early Michigan interest

One of the top football players in the country -- regardless of class -- is in talks with the Wildcats.  On Tuesday afternoon, rising junior EDGE Ari

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KSR Football Recruiting

Kentucky offers Top 25 rising junior EDGE Ari Watford

Virginia Beach (Va.) four-star EDGE Ari Watford already holds more than 30 offers ahead of his junior season. However, he is driven for more.   "It's

2025 On3 top-10 overall prospect Ari Watford already has the attention of top programs

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Virginia Beach (Va.) Salem four-star EDGE Ari Watford received an offer from Rutgers Monday. He announced the news on Twitter.  Watford is the No. 16

Ari Watford 

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football Recruiting

Rutgers offers 2025 top-20 EDGE Ari Watford

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Top 100 EDGE Ari Watford talks early interest in  Michigan

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Welcome to our initial football prospect rankings for the 2025 recruiting cycle. Each prospect is listed with their position, On3 grade, hometown,

Ari Watford

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Class Year

2025

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EDGE / 6-5.5 / 235

Industry Ranking

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high school

Maury

hometown

Norfolk, VA

Dabo Swinney calls out coverage of Clemson using transfer portal in 2025: 'Nothing different'

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Updated 5-star recruits in the On3 Industry Ranking

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On3 2025 Football Prospect Watch List