Talented Georgia defensive lineman signs with Clemson
★★★★ | AJ Hoffler 6’5, 235 | Woodward Academy, College Park, Georgia
The Tigers’ second addition is AM is defensive lineman AJ Hoffler.
Recorded 28 career tackles for loss and 15 sacks at Georgia’s Woodward Academy
Rankings: Ranked as the No. 214 overall player in the nation by 247Sports, which listed him as the 20th-best player in Georgia and 26th-best defensive end in the nation … ranked as the 26th-best player in Georgia by ESPN.com … ranked by Rivals as the 33rd-best player in Georgia and the nation’s 35th-best defensive end … PrepStar ranked him as a four-star prospect and as the nation’s No. 282 overall player.
In High School: Florida native who moved to Georgia at a young age and helped Atlanta’s Woodward Academy finish 2022 with 11-2 record and a 7-0 conference mark … finished career with 90 tackles, 28 tackles for loss and 15 sacks … had one interception, one fumble recovery and six forced fumbles … notched 21 tackles in seven games as a senior … posted 47 tackles, including nine sacks and 15 tackles for loss, in 11 games as a junior … had 22 tackles, including four sacks and seven tackles for loss as a sophomore … had three sacks in a pair of games in 2021 … wore No. 0 for coach John Hunt at Woodward Academy.
Personal: Committed to Clemson on June 21, 2022 … born Aug. 9, 2004 … comes from Woodward Academy athletic department that has placed recent alums in the NFL, MLB and NBA … his brother, Ozzie, is a defensive end at Kansas State … expected to enroll at Clemson in summer 2023 … last name pronounced “HOFF-lerr.”
Our Take:
Luke Winstel
AJ Hoffler is an extremely athletic pass rusher that I expect to contribute to Clemson's front seven as an underclassman. In high school, he's been able to consistently beat linemen due to his uniquely dynamic combination of size and speed.
The four-star's explosiveness and get-off are off the charts as an Edge defender. When you need pressure on the passer, Hoffler is the man for the job.
As Hoffler refines his technique under a Clemson staff that has historically developed his position well, I expect him to become an NFL Draft Day 2-3 pick. He is a significant addition to this recruiting class and gives the coaches another high-ceiling defensive prospect from the Peach State.
Morgan Thomas - Very explosive off the snap. Violent arms at the point of attack. Likes a quick two step inside move. Very quick closing speed to the QB or RB. Can quickly move around the outside as well. Long arms to bring guys down once in reach.
Hudl Video: