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Nation's top 2027 high school linebacker to visit Clemson this month

2027 linebacker Kaden Henderson is going to take several visits as teams participate in spring football, including one to Clemson.
ByMatthew Conner|
Jan 12, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; A Clemson Tigers helmet on display before the head coaches press conference for the CFP with LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron and Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney at the Sheraton New Orleans, Grand Ballroom. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; A Clemson Tigers helmet on display before the head coaches press conference for the CFP with LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron and Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney at the Sheraton New Orleans, Grand Ballroom. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images | John David Mercer-Imagn Images

There has been a renewed emphasis on beefing up the defensive side of the football at Clemson. While adding new coaches and bringing in impact transfers have helped in that regard, head coach Dabo Swinney will always prioritize the high school recruiting ranks as his preferred method of acquiring new talent and making upgrades.

One elite high school defensive prospect who is set to visit the Tigers this month is the No. 1 linebacker in the class of 2027, Kaden Henderson. According to Tom Loy of 247Sports.com, the Tampa, Florida native plans to take seven visits this spring, and one will be to see the Clemson Tigers on March 29.

Loy also reports that Henderson will visit Miami on March 7, Florida on March 15, Florida State on March 22, Ohio State on April 5, Alabama on April 12, and USC on April 19.

A 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior-to-be, Henderson is rated the No. 1 overall linebacker in the country and the No. 2 overall player in Florida in the class of 2027, according to the 247Sports.com composite rankings.

Though it is extremely early in this recruiting battle, Henderson seems to be eager to get the process started. In February, he attended a Junior Day event at Florida State, which followed an unofficial visit to FSU in October and a camp appearance in Tallahassee in June of 2024. The Seminoles extended the first offer to Henderson back in January of 2023, and he appears to have a genuine interest in what they have to offer despite their struggles in 2024.

Currently, there are 13 linebackers on the Tigers' roster. Of that group, six will be out of eligibility by the time Henderson is ready for his freshman season of college football.

That includes Wade Woodaz, who was Clemson's leading tackler in 2024 with 89. He will be a senior in 2025.

Additionally, Sammy Brown, who was a breakout star as a true freshman in 2024, could potentially head to the NFL after the 2026 season. Last fall, the former 5-star recruit and top high school linebacker in the country made 87 tackles and was named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, and he is expected to be one of the best defensive players in the country next season.

Thus, there could be a role to fill at linebacker for a player like Henderson the moment he would step on campus at Clemson. Of course, though, before that happens, the Tigers are going to have to beat out some of the top programs in the nation to secure his commitment.

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