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Clemson Football: Logan Rudolph may take snaps at defensive end in 2017

By Anthony Messenger

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 7: Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables of the Clemson Tigers reacts after South Carolia State scored during the first half during the game at Memorial Stadium on September 7, 2013 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Smith/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 7: Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables of the Clemson Tigers reacts after South Carolia State scored during the first half during the game at Memorial Stadium on September 7, 2013 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Smith/Getty Images) /
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In a recent interview with Tigernet during Clemson’s annual golf outing, defensive coordinator Brent Venables fielded questions about the Tigers’ depth along the defensive line. It appears that freshman, Logan Rudolph may take snaps at defensive end in light of Richard Yeargin’s recent car accident.

Logan Rudolph was one of four early enrollee’s this winter. After starring at both defensive end and tight end in high school, Rudolph was moved to linebacker upon arriving on campus. While he is understandably lacking in certain nuances of the position, Rudolph has the requisite toughness and athleticism to be successful in his new role with the Clemson football program.

When asked about his progress this spring, defensive coordinator, Brent Venables said the following of Rudolph:

"The first time he ever lined up at linebacker was this spring here and man he was just terrific. Said very little, worked incredibly hard to know what to do, found the football, played super-physical and played incredibly hard."

After assessing Rudolph’s transition to linebacker during the spring, Venables gave a small indication that he may also serve as a rotational defensive end in 2017. The veteran coordinator, quickly stated, “Because of the things that happened with Yeargin, we’re gunna look at him at D-end as well, something that he did very well in high school.”

Due to the recent losses the Clemson Football program has suffered at defensive end, Rudolph may have a legitimate shot at providing the Tigers with some depth this season. During his short stint on the defensive side of the ball for Northwestern High School, Rudolph was a terror off of the edge racking up 71 total tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.

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At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds Rudolph is a lanky, explosive athlete. Prior to signing Clemson, I compared Rudolph to current Ohio State defensive end, Sam Hubbard due to their similar build and athleticism. Both use their length well and play with relentless effort. In Venables’ attacking defense, Rudolph’s motor will serve him well.

Leading up to fall camp, Clemson has four available defensive ends. Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant are the headliners, followed by Chris Register and Xavier Kelly. With the high-tempo offenses that the Tigers routinely face, quality depth is crucial. Brent Venables is constantly rotating players in to keep his defense fresh over the course of a game. Rudolph is capable of spelling either, Bryant or Ferrell.

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One thing is clear, Brent Venables is excited about the player that Logan Rudolph is and will develop into down the road.

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