It came out on Wednesday afternoon that sophomore linebacker TJ Dudley intends to enter the transfer portal, initially reported by Matt Zenitz, senior national college football reporter for on3. Per reports, Dudley was dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.
The Transfer portal is currently closed for anyone who is not already a graduate so the timing for the announcement is certainly a head-scratcher. The next open window for the transfer portal is set to start on December 8th, after the regular season is over. Because the portal is not officially open a better way to put it is that Dudley is no longer with the team. TJ Dudley was expected to be a second-string linebacker this season for the Clemson Tigers and was also expected to get a lot of playing time. TJ Dudley finished the 2022 season with two tackles in only 16 defensive snaps while redshirting in his first year for the Tigers. Second-year defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Wes Goodwin will be down one linebacker going into the 2023 season so some of the young guys, and incoming freshmen are going to have to be ready to make an impact sooner than expected.
Everyone knows about the big-name linebackers that Clemson has in the starting rotation with Jeremiah Trotter Jr and Barrett Carter, who were selected as first-team and second-team preseason All-Americans coming into this season by Athlon Sports. But what is the depth looking like behind those two guys and the third projected starter, Wade Woodaz?
Kobe McCloud:
Kobe McCloud was a three-star recruit according to 247 Sports. Kobe is a second-year player with the program and comes from Gaither High School in Tampa, FL. McCloud played in two games last season and was able to maintain his redshirt status. If the name sounds familiar it should, as Kobe is the younger brother of former Clemson wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud. Kobe came in last year and really needed the redshirt year to bulk up and grow into his body to be better prepared to play the linebacker position. Kobe McCloud is currently being projected as the backup behind Barrett Carter.
Jamal Anderson:
Jamal Anderson was a 4-star linebacker coming out of high school according to 247 Sports, and ranked as the number 19 linebacker in the country. Jamal was a star player at Mill Creek High School where he helped lead his team to a state championship in his senior season. In his senior campaign with Mill Creek, he had 56 tackles, four sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles, and two defensive touchdowns. Jamal will certainly be asked to contribute as a true freshman this season and will need to be ready sooner rather than later. Jamal Anderson is the son of former NFL running back Jamal Anderson, who played his college football at the University of Utah and played eight seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.
Dee Crayton:
Dee Crayton is another true freshman on this year’s team who will be expected to be ready to go by the time the season rolls around. Crayton was a 3-star recruit from Alpharetta, GA. When watching Dee Crayton’s highlight film, just like the rest of the guys previously mentioned in this list, you can tell he is a very good athlete. In his senior season, he had 75 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and four sacks. Dee Crayton is 6’1 and 215 lbs.
Wes Goodwin mentioned on Tuesday during the Clemson Media Day that Clemson’s base defense is a 4-2-5. This means Clemson will definitely be using some of the safeties in the nickel spot. RJ Mickens, Khalil Barnes, and Kylon Griffin could easily slide over into this spot to help out when needed.
With the loss of TJ Dudley, Clemson will need their linebackers to stay healthy and remain productive this year and also need the young guys to step up and be ready early.
