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Dabo Swinney is going viral thanks to an incredibly cringey video posted to social media over the weekend that details an awkward interaction with high school recruits. The clip was posted by Rivals on Saturday and has seen a firestorm of reaction over the last 24 hours.
In the post, the Clemson head coach is seen chatting with four-star offensive lineman Brayden Jacobs, who committed to the Tigers back in January.
Jacobs kicked the video off with an introduction before “his best friend and coach” Dabo Swinney slyly slid into frame. Things took a downward spiral from there.
Swinney walked in holding a bedazzled football before calling the offensive tackle a “10-star prospect.”
At one point, he even had followers convinced he’d forgotten the player’s name! There was a lot to take in.
4⭐️ OT Brayden Jacobs checking it at Clemson with a special guest…
Dabo Swinney is one of a kind 😂 pic.twitter.com/cJzkhg1q5m
— Rivals (@Rivals) June 2, 2024
Fans were quick to reply in the comments section.
“He forgot your name lil bro.”
“Freaking cringe.”
“He’s more excited for the bedazzled football than knowing recruit’s names…”
“They didn’t want to try a second take?”
Some said he’s beginning to rival LSU’s Brian Kelly, who’s had his own string of awkward recruiting exchanges with high school players since arriving in Baton Rouge.
Unfortunately, this is far from Dabo Swinney’s first cringeworthy social media attempt. The coach went viral for all the wrong reasons in 2020 when he dropped a rhyme to commemorate his debut on TikTok.
While the most recent interaction landed criticism from followers, Swinney’s recruitment of Brayden Jacobs has ultimately been a successful one. The lineman, who is the son of former NY Giant Brandon Jacobs, is set to suit up for the Tigers in 2025 should his commitment remain firm.
The Georgia native is rated as a Top 200 player, regardless of position, as well as a Top 15 offensive tackle.
As for Dabo Swinney, he’s made headlines this offseason for his lack of interest in the transfer portal as well as his program’s perceived slip in the ACC.
Transfer portal recruiting aside, he seems to be doing just fine at the high school ranks as his Clemson team boasts a Top 10 class.
Hate or love his schtick, he’s obviously doing something right!