Braden River end Taylor Upshaw narrows down college choices to 10, including Clemson

Taylor Upshaw has been one of the fastest rising prospects in the Class of 2018 since he first suited up for Braden River last fall. The rising senior end announced a list of the 10 schools who are still vying for his services at the next level, and it’s filled with some of the top programs in the nation.

Upshaw said he is considering Pittsburgh, Mississippi, Oregon, North Carolina State, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Louisville, Clemson, Vanderbilt and Tennessee, although he is still open to other offers. At least a few of those schools have local or personal ties for Upshaw.

The Tigers have been considered something of an early favorite for Upshaw, who is considered a three-star prospect by 247sports.com’s composite rankings. Upshaw’s older brother Regan Upshaw Jr. is currently a walk-on for the defending national champions.

Upshaw called Clemson his “dream school” in a tweet earlier this month after the Tigers extended a scholarship offer.

Upshaw is also notable as being the first player from Manatee County to land an offer from the Ducks since Manatee alumnus Willie Taggart took over as the head coach in January. Taggart was joined by fellow Palmetto native Raymond Woodie in Eugene, Ore., and both have found success recruiting Florida at previous stops with South Florida and Western Kentucky. USF was the first school to offer Upshaw during the fall when both Taggart and Woodie were still at the school.

One notable absence from Upshaw’s list is California. Upshaw is the son of Regan Upshaw, a former first-round pick out of Cal who went on to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bulls also didn’t make the cut for Upshaw’s Top 10.

Upshaw will be able to make his eventual commitment official earlier this year than in the past. The NCAA has added an early signing period for football players this year, allowing them to sign National Letters of Intent during December. In the past, athletes had to wait until National Signing Day in February.

Upshaw makes up a third of a loaded senior class for the Pirates this year. Defensive back Tyrone Collins and running back Deshaun Fenwick both possess at least three-star ratings, according to the 247sports composite, with Fenwick leading the way as the No. 505-ranked player in the nation and No. 11 all-purpose back. Upshaw is the No. 648 player in the nation, No. 105 in the state and the No. 24 strong-side defensive end in the country.

Fenwick, who also plays wide receiver for Braden River, made some recruiting news earlier this month when he verbally committed to South Carolina. He announced his intention to early enroll with the Gamecocks on Tuesday.

This story was originally published May 24, 2017 at 8:07 PM with the headline "Braden River end Taylor Upshaw narrows down college choices to 10, including Clemson."