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CLEMSON — Dabo Swinney noticed the transfer portal talk around Clemson football changed this offseason.
The Tigers have landed three transfers for Clemson’s 2025 roster so far: Southeast Missouri State wide receiver Tristan Smith, Purdue defensive lineman Will Heldt and Alabama linebacker Jeremiah Alexander. These additions are more than what they have taken in the previous six years of the portal’s existence (two).
Swinney reiterated Clemson has used the portal in the past despite being one of four FBS schools to not add a transfer last season, and added its use of it still depends on roster availability and need.
“The crazy thing is we signed a portal guy three out of the last four years,” Swinney said Wednesday. “As I always said, we do what’s best for Clemson, and I’ve always said we’ll use the portal whenever we need it, and we’ll be strategic with it.”
Clemson retained all of its end-of-year starters who have eligibility remaining but needed to fill holes on its roster as it prepares for the 2025 season. Swinney said the Tigers pursed Heldt because four-star edge rusher Bryce Davis, flipped his commitment to Duke in August and four-star signee Ari Watford tore his ACL. Depth defensive lineman A.J. Hoffler also entered the transfer portal.
With wide receivers Troy Stellato and Noble Johnson entering the portal, Clemson targeted 6-foot-5 Smith. Swinney added since there were not high-end high school recruits available in December at wide receiver and defensive lineman, he used the portal to fill needs.
Swinney added Alexander popped up on Clemson’s radar when he entered the portal on Jan. 3. Initially, the Tigers were going to wait until May to fill their linebacker need, but Alexander, who they recruited out of high school, became available.
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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/dabo-swinney-explains-why-clemson-215058085.html
Author : Greenville News
Publish date : 2025-01-15 21:50:00
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