Clemson Football: What to Expect from the DEs in the summer

The Clemson football defensive end group has certainly got some talent in the room. Here’s what to expect from the unit this summer.

Clemson football loses its two starters at defensive end from last season in Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant.

Ferrell went on to be drafted No. 4 overall by the Oakland Raiders and Bryant was taken in the fourth round by the Detroit Lions.

With the two veterans gone, the Tigers will look to several young talents to step in and fill their shoes. Here’s what to expect at the position as we head into the thick of summer.

Summer Expectations: Defensive End

Right now, it looks as if the defensive end rotation will feature five guys overall, with sophomore Xavier Thomas and junior Justin Foster as the starters. Filling in the depth chart behind those guys will by redshirt freshmen KJ Henry and Justin Mascoll, as well as redshirt sophomore Logan Rudolph.

One of the true-freshmen that are currently taking reps at defensive tackle- Ruke Orhorhoro or Etinosa Reuben- could potentially fill in a spot at defensive end if needed, as well.

As we head into the summer, the real competition is at the two-deep. A guy like KJ Henry could potentially challenge Foster for starter reps, but right now it looks as if the two starters are heads and shoulders above the other three.

That leaves Rudolph, Mascoll and Henry to battle it out for two spots in the two-deep.

Henry will likely be the backup behind Foster and it should be expected that we could see Rudolph play both sides and fill in at the two-deep behind Thomas. We’re going to see a healthy rotation of defensive ends throughout the year and it should be expected that all five guys are going to put in serious work during the summer to give themselves the best chance to compete for playing time.