CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson men’s soccer has announced nine signees on National Signing Day, and boasts one of the most accomplished recruiting classes in program history. The group includes two goalkeepers, two defenders, a midfielder, and four forwards.
From Westport, Conn., Donovan was named the top goalkeeper in the region by Top Drawer Soccer and New England Soccer Journal. He has been to 11 youth national team ID centers and was part of the Capelli Sport USA team which traveled to compete in Denmark last summer. He has spent time training with Estudiantes De La Plata in Argentina, and as a member of Beachside Soccer Club, he has allowed the fewest goals of any keeper in all of MLS Next. He is a graduate of Staples High School, Coach Noonan’s alma mater.
Noonan on Donovan…
“Patrick is an outstanding prospect who has a very high soccer I.Q. He has been developed in one of the best youth clubs in the country and attended the best high school in the country.”
As a member of the Connecticut ODP team in 2019, Hampton won the East Regional and was then selected to the East Regional ODP team. He was also the keeper on his high school’s conference championship team in 2019. A well-rounded athlete, Hampton won a state championship on his high school swimming team and was named an all-state swimmer.
Noonan on Hampton…
“Aiden is one of the top GK prospects coming out of NE region. He has great parameters physically and an upside that should have him in the competitive rotation early in his career.”
Smart attended Montverde Academy, where he played alongside Tigers Hamady Diop and Ousmane Sylla. He was the right back and captain of the squad. He has been on trial with several MLS teams and is a member of the U-17 National Team pool. Smart is looking forward to playing at Clemson, and believes that, “the atmosphere at Clemson really fits me and the way I like to play.”
Noonan on Smart…
“I am extremely excited about Shawn’s prospects in Tigertown. We have tracked him for quite some time, and we know that he can make an immediate contribution to our team. Our philosophy is to create width in attacking half with our fullbacks and Shawn is ideally suited for this.”
From right here in South Carolina, Watson was named the South Carolina United ECNL Player of the Year for 2020-21. His efforts earned him a spot on the ECNL All-conference team as well as the 2011 All-state team. Watson had the chance to compete in Germany in the Keramik Cup Tournament in 2019 and 2020.
Noonan on Watson…
“A diamond in the rough who has been cut but not polished. He attended our camp the last couple of years and impressed with his assertive & aggressive defensive play. He is a model student-athlete that continues the tradition of the best in-state players having opportunities to play and contribute at Clemson and in the ACC.”
Behrmann was a 2021 High School All-American, as well as an2021 ECNL National Champion. He led his team to the 2020 state championship as the 2020 North Carolina Private School Player of the Year. The Charlotte, N.C. native was a two-time All-State Selection.
Noonan on Behrmann…
“Noah is a winner. He will always find a way to work towards improving himself but more importantly those around him. He is a consummate team player who knits the team together from the midfield. Noah’s Dad Chris played for the Tigers from 1993-96.”
Garcia played at a professional youth Academy team in Italy called Virtus Entella for six years playing against teams like Juventus, Inter and A.C. Milan’s youth academy teams. During his time there, he once won top scorer of the season and also top scorer in a few tournaments. When he moved back to the United States, he joined the ECNL team (Alabama FC) and played two seasons with them making the playoffs both times. The side finished first place in the southeastern conference in 2020. Garcia featured as the team’s leading goal scorer both seasons as an attacking midfielder. In 2020, he was selected to train with Birmingham Legion’s USL first team as an amateur, and played in one game against Atlanta United.
Noonan on Garcia…
“Marco was discovered this summer when he attended our elite camp and immediately set himself apart from 300+ players. He has a thirst and passion for the game that separates him from his peers.”
A native of Charlotte, N.C., Kelly was named the ECNL Mid Atlantic Conference player of the year, as well as an ECNL All-American. He played as a member of Charlotte Soccer Academy alongside Tyler Trimnal, and will join current Tiger and former teammate Dawson Malcolm at Clemson.
Noonan on Kelly…
“Probably the most athletically gifted of our signees. Has a great nose for the goal and can make something from nothing.”
As a player at Florida’s famed IMG Academy, Richmond was named Player of the Year for the entire boys’ soccer program. He was ranked the No. 1 Georgia midfielder by Top Drawer Soccer. He starred as a member of Atlanta United’s academy from U12-U16 before beginning his career at IMG.
Noonan on Richmond…
“Nathan is one of the most dynamic technical players in the country. He is small in stature but huge in heart, combined with great pedigree and passion for Clemson as Dad Richie played on 1987 Clemson National Championship team.”
From Lancaster, S.C., Trimnal was named to the ECNL All-National All-Region Team. He captained the 2019 US Club Soccer Champions and was the 2020 Max Preps leading goal scorer in S.C. for all classifications. Along with all of his on the field accomplishments, he finished top-five academically in his class. Trimnal is a lifelong Clemson fan, as his mom graduated from the university in 1995.
Noonan on Trimnal…
“Another local product who will add versatility and depth to our roster. He has excellent physical tools to be a top striker in the ACC.”
For all the most up-to-date information regarding Clemson men’s soccer, please visit ClemsonTigers.com and follow @ClemsonMSoccer on Twitter and Instagram.
