Just a few months after first stepping foot on the Clemson campus, Lewisville graduate and highly touted defensive lineman Josh Belk has asked for and been granted an unconditional release from the Clemson program.
Belk made the announcement on Twitter which also contained a statement from his lawyer who alluded to a private family matter that warranted Belk being closer to home. Reports say a family member has been dealing with a health issue that has forced Belk to make numerous trips from Clemson to Richburg.
With the desire to be closer to home, there is a very good chance he could land at USC which is roughly 45 minutes Columbia, although other schools may make a run at Belk.
Belk was an early enrollee at Clemson and went through spring practice and played in the spring game.
Lewisville head coach Will Mitchell released the following statement which was posted on GamecockCentral.com - “Josh Belk was granted an unconditional release by Clemson. Ongoing health issues in his family have created a need for him to be closer to home to help out. Very classy decision by Coach Swinney and his program. They understand the importance of family and how important it was for Josh to be there for his people. There has been no prior contact with any other programs but I imagine that will change now that Josh has his release.”
Belk was a U.S. Army All-American and a 4-star prospect coming out of Lewisville High School.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney released the following statement - “Josh is a good young man from a great family,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement. “Sometimes circumstances change, as is the case with Josh. We are disappointed he is leaving, but I enjoyed being around him the past few months. He did everything that was asked of him and had an excellent semester academically. I wish him all the best in the years to come.”
