Clemson football is shaking things up by adding a towering former track athlete to its roster. Carlito Jones, who stands at an impressive 6-foot-8 and weighs 270 pounds, has transitioned from the Tigers' track and field team to join Dabo Swinney's squad as an offensive lineman. This move is officially noted on Clemson’s online roster.
Jones, hailing from Anderson, South Carolina, enters the football scene as a redshirt junior with two years of eligibility left. His athletic journey began at Pendleton High School, where he showcased his skills in football, basketball, and track.
From 2023 to 2025, Jones competed in the weight throw, hammer throw, and discus for Clemson’s track and field team, achieving five top 10 finishes. While he wasn’t ranked as a football prospect by 247Sports, he did earn all-region honors as a starting tackle in high school, according to his social media. Additionally, Jones brought his height advantage to the basketball court, playing center and power forward.
Listed as a walk-on, Jones is part of Clemson’s 105-man roster. This means he counts towards the roster limit but won’t initially receive scholarship money, unlike other new signees.
Despite Clemson graduating three starting offensive linemen last year, the team still boasts a strong lineup of returning veterans and a large class of incoming freshmen. This depth makes it unlikely that Jones will see significant playing time in his first year.
Jones shares the title of tallest player on the roster with freshman lineman Braden Wilmes. Clemson has a history of embracing multi-sport athletes under Swinney’s leadership. Last year, Ian Schieffelin made headlines as the first Tiger to play in both basketball and football in the same academic year since DeAndre Hopkins in 2010-11.
The Tigers also feature freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds, who doubles as a baseball player, and former soccer goalie Charlie Reed, who’s stepping in as a kicker/punter this year.
After finishing 7-6 last season, marking Swinney’s toughest year since 2010, the Tigers are gearing up for spring practice, ready to explore new dynamics and possibilities on the field.