Highest-rated defensive ends Clemson Football could pursue in the transfer portal
By John Chancey
![Sep 4, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) is sacked by Duke Blue Devils defensive end RJ Oben (94) during the second quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports Sep 4, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) is sacked by Duke Blue Devils defensive end RJ Oben (94) during the second quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/456bf07c84b788ab429c9a01d5902fcf9b67289d3f2a17563aa036191c4634a8.jpg)
Obi Ezeigbo
Hmmm…this is an interesting one.
Obi Ezeigbo. Gannon?….(researches)….Gannon University. Erie, Pennsylvania. The Golden Knights. Division II. Just like Shorter. Hmmm….
Just like Alan Herron, who is the only player offered in the portal by the Tigers thus far, Ezeigbo is attempting to make a jump from Division II to a much higher-profile opportunity. He is from Trenton, New Jersey. He was not even evaluated by 247Sports in high school.
The only offer on his 247 list is Gannon. That doesn’t mean he didn’t get other offers. It just means 247 didn’t think it was worth their time to document them.
Ezeigbo is 6’-3” and 252 pounds. He has the size to be an edge rusher in Division I. How might he stack up against better competition?
Here are some of his highlights.
Senior Tape #SABN pic.twitter.com/LnIy4KcUaw
— Nick White (@nickw_72) December 1, 2023
That’s about all you will find with a search. You have to go to Gannon’s website to find his 2023 stats.
57 tackles. Not bad. 10.5 tackles for a loss of 59 yards. Not bad at all. 7.5 sacks for 53 yards. Nice, a fumble recovery too.
When you look at his career stats, you realize this man blossomed as a senior. His senior stats are nearly as good as his freshman, sophomore, and junior stats combined.
Ezeigbo is the prototype example of a guy who can benefit from the extra COVID season. The question will be if he can acclimate to D1 quickly enough to make an impact.