Connor McFadden is a 6'3", 240-pound defensive end from Fort Mill, South Carolina, who lettered at Catawba Ridge High School. He walked on to Clemson after declining offers from Delaware State, Catawba College, and Anderson. As a high school senior in 2025, McFadden recorded 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks while also catching 13 passes for 146 yards. He earned 2024 second-team all-region honors. McFadden enrolled at Clemson in summer 2026 and is pursuing a criminal justice degree.