Clemson football, like all elite programs, have to adjust to the transfer portal.
Clemson football was in the news this week when former linebacker Mike Jones Jr. announced he has committed to LSU and called it his “best move”.
The Tigers’ ascendance to the elite of college football has brought attention, recognition, and validation long sought by fans. Today the Tigers have their pick of the nation’s top prospects and as a result, will continue to experience departures of high-level contributors and even starters as the program continues to recruit high-level talent.
The departure of Mike Jones Jr.is not something that should be viewed as a referendum on the Clemson program but as it is a part of being in the college football elite.
https://twitter.com/_mjones24/status/1359560412400877569
Clemson football may not be their best option in the future.
When you recruit elite athletes on top of elite athletes there is always a chance the guy behind you is going to be better or somehow will earn more favor than you. At that point given the rules regarding transfers, an athlete has a decision to make.
Do you stay and risk getting buried on the depth chart and missing out on an opportunity to make a living playing football or do you bet on yourself and move on?
For those of us who are older, we remember a time in college football when you heard of an athlete transferring, it likely meant they were a knucklehead or struggling academically.
Today that is not the case, and that has been exemplified with prior departures of Nyles Pinckney and Jordan Williams. Two highly valued young men who seemingly sought new opportunities with hopes of improving their employment opportunities in the future.
It is understandable that some fans may take the departure of some athletes personally or have a hard time understanding why.
What Clemson football is experiencing now and will likely experience in the future is the natural attrition of young men who are ultimately seeking better playing opportunities elsewhere.
Most college football athletes have dreams of playing in the NFL and to do that you have to have a body of work to earn that opportunity.
Have no fear Clemson fans, the best is still yet to come.