Highest-rated defensive ends Clemson Football could pursue in the transfer portal
By John Chancey
Clemson Football will be losing both defensive ends who began this season as starters this offseason. Both Xavier Thomas and Justin Mascoll have exhausted their eligibility.
The good news for Clemson is that freshman TJ Parker emerged as the season continued, and he is a lock to be a starter for the Tigers in 2024.
The other starting spot is more of a mystery. Cade Denhoff was the fourth guy in the rotation but he saw far less action than Parker.
Other names that could compete for the other starting spot include Zaire Patterson, Jaheim Lawson, and AJ Hoffler. David Ojiegbe has entered the portal and will leave the program.
The Tigers will be adding two freshmen – Darien Mayo and Adam Kissayi – at defensive end, but as with all freshmen, we don’t know how ready they will be to play.
It seems very clear there will be an addition to this position group from the transfer portal this offseason. Whether the Tigers will get a starter or more depth, the numbers dictate that they need someone.
As with any position, the Tigers must find the guys who are looking for a program like Clemson, rather than a big NIL payday.
Here are the top-rated defensive ends in the portal that are uncommitted based on ratings from 247Sports.