Ari Watford

Talented edge rusher out of the Tidewater region of Virginia

In High School: Finalist for Gatorade Player of the Year in Virginia … unanimous four-star recruit … ranked as the nation’s No. 112 overall player by ESPN, which also ranked him as the nation’s 15th-best defensive end and the fourth-best player in Virginia … ranked No. 204 overall by On3, as well as the 23rd-best defensive end and fourth-best player in Virginia … listed by 247Sports as the 22nd-best defensive end and sixth-best player in Virginia … ranked as the 16th-best defensive end in the nation by Rivals, which also ranked him as the fourth-best player in Virginia … four-time unanimous all-district selection … three-time unanimous all-region honoree … unanimous all-state in 2022 and 2023 with selections for 2024 still pending … enters Early Signing Day with his top-ranked team undefeated and still alive in the Class 5 playoffs … entering December, was credited with 52 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, eight sacks, 13 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries … also contributed at tight end with one touchdown reception … transferred from Salem to Maury prior to his junior season … helped Maury to a 15-0 record and a Class 5A state title in 2023 … credited that season with 69 tackles, seven sacks, four fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles … was a second-team MaxPreps Sophomore All-American and a 5A all-state honoree in 2022 when he collected 12 sacks for Salem … selected to the Under Armour All-America Game … committed to Clemson on Jan. 24, 2024 … played for Dyrri McCain at Maury.

Personal: Born April 1, 2007 … expected to enroll at Clemson in January 2025 … one of four signees in Clemson’s 2025 recruiting class from the state of Virginia, the Tigers’ largest contingent from that state since 1976 (four).