Clemson Football Recruiting Needs in the Class of 2027: Defense

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Earlier this week we took at how the offensive side Clemson’s roster is positioned for the class of 2027 and any portal activity. Below is a deep dive of the defensive side of the ball. It is amazing how much calmer things are when you come into the season with a full class of commits and room to play with in the transfer portal.

As a reminder, the recent NCAA eligibility change means players have 5 years to play 5 seasons. Redshirting, etc. isn’t the thing it used to be. A freshman is in their first year on campus, sophomore second year, etc. with the final year being denoted as a 5th year player. When we project future needs it helps add certainty in an era of chaos

DT: 11 (3 Fifth Year, 1 Senior, 4 Junior, 2 Sophomore, 1 Freshman)

With two commits coming in, DT looks well positioned on numbers. 10 DTs assuming no additional departures is a good spot. Transfers here would be a function of unexpected departures or the need to improve the quality of the position, it all depends on how the seasons ends.

DE: 10 (3 Fifth Year, 1 Senior, 1 Junior, 2 Sophomore, 3 Freshman)

Uncharacteristically, both DE and DT numbers look good. Normally one of the positions is a concern, but this year and for 2027 things are looking up. Sadly the talent may not be there like 2015-2019, but that will allow the staff to focus on quality transfers or key difference makers on the recruiting trail.

LB: 8 (2 Fifth Year, 3 Junior, 1 Sophomore, 2 Freshman)

With how poor the linebacker position has been, this could be a position with a lot of change. depending on how the season goes. But like other positions transfer will be able the quality of play vs. trying to flesh out the numbers.

CB: 8 (2 Fifth Year, 1 Senior, 2 Junior, 1 Sophomore, 2 Freshman)

Once again, the numbers seem pretty good here. You could quibble and want another CB or two, the two commits mean that Clemson will remain at 8 CBs, but depending on who gets classified as a safety, CB, or even LB it is hard to get worked up about 1-2 additional spots.

S: 9 (2 Fifth Year, 2 Senior, 3 Junior, 1 Sophomore, 1 Freshman)

Nothing much to see here, a theme on defense. Transfers and the desire to improve the team’s talent level are really all we need to be worried about. Three commits with 2 definitely departing makes the safety room solid numbers wise

ST: 4 (2 Fifth Year, 1 Junior, 1 Freshman)

I just want us to kick the ball straight, don’t care about anything else here.

Clemson is in a strong position across the entire roster for 2027. A full class of 2027 coupled with a good spread of players across classes will allow the Dabo to focus on critical needs in the portal. Either areas where guys left unexpectedly or the next man up isn’t developing the way you would expect.

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