This week, Rivals/On3 released their initial top-10 rankings for the class of 2028.
At No. 9, it was The Bolles School (Florida) five-star edge-rusher Asher Ghioto, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound athlete who has already accumulated more than 40 scholarship offers.
"It’s honestly crazy to think about," he said, "I’ve been playing football since I was five, and it’s always been a dream of mine to be on this stage. I’ve worked really hard, but I’ve also been blessed with great coaches, teammates, and people who have helped me along the way. I couldn’t have done this alone. I know I still have a long way to go, but I’m going to take today to celebrate before getting right back to work."
Here's what Rivals had to say about him as a prospect:
“Asher Ghioto had an extremely productive freshman season producing 21 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks. His motor and bend allows him to live in opposing backfields consistently. He has an innate ability to get upfield and fly off the line of scrimmage forcing tackles to panic almost instantly when the ball is snapped. If he can continue to develop his hand usage he has the potential to become one of the most feared pass rushers in the class.”
With that combination of size, athleticism and production, it's no surprise college football's top programs want to get him on campus.
Clemson will get the first scheduled visit, but Ghioto is also planning a few other ACC/SEC trips.
"My first visit will be Clemson versus LSU, and I’ve also got Georgia, Florida, Florida State, and South Carolina scheduled," he said. "A few more are in the works, but those are locked in for now."
Ghioto has met Clemson coach Dabo Swinney already and has built an early connection with the program, but is also eager to check out South Carolina.
"I went to Clemson for a camp this summer... loved the coaching staff, and I’m excited to go back with my parents to show them around," he said. "I haven’t been to South Carolina yet, so I’m really looking forward to experiencing what they have to offer and starting to build that connection."
Other programs that have made early progress are LSU, Ohio State, Texas A&M and USC.
Georgia holds a special place for Ghioto, as he has been inspired by the program to wear his No. 34 jersey, but no one has emerged as any kid of favorite at this point.
"Growing up a Georgia fan, getting that offer was especially meaningful—I wear No. 34 because of Herschel Walker, so that one was special for me and my family," he said. "But honestly, I’ve got nothing but respect and appreciation for every school that’s offered me. It’s a tough but blessed position to be in, and I’m just grateful. For now, I’m going to enjoy the moment, keep building relationships, and get back to work with my teammates to take care of business on the field."