Clemson football: 5 Tiger signees that became busts

Derion Kendrick

Putting Derion Kendrick on this list may upset some people since his separation from the program is so new and still fresh in a lot of people’s minds. However, it doesn’t make it any less true – he should be on this list.

Kendrick came to Clemson as a five-star wide receiver, which is where he spent his freshman season. He accumulated 15 receptions for 210 yards and no touchdowns in 2018 on the offensive side of the ball.

Out of need, defensive coordinator Brent Venables gave him a shot on defense as a defensive back and he impressed everyone with how quickly he adapted and proved to be a viable asset across from first-round draft pick AJ Terrell.

However, something last season changed with Kendrick.

He was constantly in the dog house with Dabo Swinney and his play on the field was not as good. He spent more time celebrating plays that he did not make instead of actually making them. He appeared in just nine of the Tigers’ 12 games and despite his drop-in play on the field, he was rewarded with first-team all-ACC honors.

Not to knock Kendrick, but the top several defensive backs in the ACC opted out of the season because of covid.

As we all know now, Kendrick was dismissed by Dabo Swinney almost two months ago and has since found himself in legal trouble for possessing a weapon without a permit and simple possession of marijuana.