Clemson football: Six freshmen likely to redshirt in 2022

Clemson linebacker Kobe McCloud (31), cornerback Myles Oliver (16), left, defensive end Jahiem Lawson (15) runs by Clemson special teams coordinator Mike Reed during the first day of fall football practice at the Allen Reeves Complex in Clemson Friday, August 5, 2022.Clemson Football First Day Fall Practice /

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Kobe McCloud

If your program is based on family values, then you shouldn’t be surprised that legacy prospects are going to get an opportunity if the stars fall just right. Clemson’s Class of 2022 had five legacy commitments, one of who is Kobe McCloud.

McCloud is the brother of Ray-Ray McCloud, who played wide receiver for the Tigers from 2015-17 before beginning his NFL career. He played high school football in the Tampa, Florida area. Over four seasons of varsity football at Gaither High School, McCloud became the winningest player in the history of the program.

The linebacker room for Clemson is very crowded in 2022. Not only do they have Trenton Simpson, who is hailed as a future first round pick in the NFL, but they have enough veterans to fill the two-deep, and that doesn’t include fellow freshmen Wade Woodaz and T.J. Dudley.

While none of the 2022 linebackers exhaust all eligibility after this season, it feels like there will be at least a couple departures. Simpson appears on the fast-track to the NFL, and he can declare for the draft after this season. It is also possible that we could see a transfer, possibly more than just one.

McCloud could have opportunities in the next few years, but it won’t hurt him at all to take the 2022 season to redshirt and work on his size and strength.

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