Clemson Adds 2026 DE J.R. Hardrick to Growing Recruiting Haul

Clemson added another key piece to their 2026 recruiting class when South Pittsburg (Tenn.) defensive end JR Hardrick‍ announced his commitment on Thursday. The 6-foot-6, 235-pound edge rusher made his pledge public just hours before four-star offensive lineman Carter Scruggs‍ followed suit, capping a 48-hour span that also saw four-star offensive lineman Leo Delaney‍ commit to the Tigers on Wednesday.

The trio were all in Tigertown for Clemson's major recruiting weekend on May 30, and the results are already paying off for head coach Dabo Swinney’s staff.

Hardrick, a three-star prospect according to 247Sports, chose Clemson over offers from more than two dozen schools, including Power 4 programs Louisville and Georgia Tech. Both the Cardinals and Yellow Jackets were early believers in the small-school standout, extending offers in March. Clemson defensive ends coach Chris Rumph made the Tigers’ move in early May after visiting South Pittsburg High School.

Originally scheduled to visit Louisville this weekend, Hardrick canceled the trip after deciding Clemson was the right fit. 

Ranked as the No. 100 defensive end nationally by 247Sports, Hardrick’s recruitment may have been limited early due to his small-school setting. But Clemson saw through the level-of-competition concerns and sees upside in his athleticism and frame.

Despite playing at a 1A school, Hardrick turned heads with his size, motor, and versatility. In addition to playing both tight end and defensive end for the state champion Pirates, he’s also returned kickoffs — a rare sight for a player of his frame.

Hardrick becomes the second defensive lineman in the 2026 class to choose the Tigers, joining three-star defensive tackle Kameron Cody‍.