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Clemson football added its first scholarship defensive transfer portal player ever with the commitment of former Purdue defensive lineman Will Heldt.
Heldt recorded 56 tackles, including 10 for loss, and five sacks in his second year with the Boilermakers this season. He has two years of eligibility remaining. He joins wide receiver Tristan Smith (2024), quarterbacks Hunter Johnson (2022) and Paul Tyson (2023) as the only scholarship players to transfer to Clemson.
According to ESPN, Clemson hosted Heldt this week. He committed to the Tigers on Thursday, per ESPN. He chose Clemson over LSU and Texas A&M.
Here’s how Heldt will fit with Clemson next season:
Why DL Will Heldt picked Clemson from transfer portal?
Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said Clemson was eyeing a defensive end during his Wednesday availability, and it landed Heldt on the next day. It needed another edge rusher that can pressure the quarterback. Defensive end T.J. Parker leads the team in sacks with 11, but the next closest defensive linemen are Peter Woods with three and Cade Denhoff two.
Heldt had five sacks with Purdue this season, which would tie for the second most on the Tigers. He can compete for the starting defensive end spot opposite of Parker next season.
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How Will Heldt will fit with Clemson football’s roster
Heldt will either start at defensive end for Clemson or be a critical rotational piece. He will be key in pass-rush situations, generating much of his success with Purdue in that area.
According to Pro Football Focus, Heldt logged 26 pressures with Purdue this season. That total exceeds every Clemson defensive player except Parker (49). Heldt will boost Clemson’s edge-rushing ability to not have to rely heavily on Parker for pressures and sacks.
Clemson…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/clemson-football-lands-heldt-transfer-210010432.html
Author : Greenville News
Publish date : 2024-12-19 21:00:00
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