Clemson linebacker dismissed from team, enters transfer portal

Clemson linebacker T.J. Dudley, a 6'1, 230-pound redshirt freshman from Montgomery, Alabama, has entered the transfer portal after being dismissed from the team. On3.com first reported the news of Dudley's name being in the portal. 

A spokesperson for the team noted Dudley was “dismissed for a violation of team rules.”

Despite redshirting in his first year, Dudley appeared in four games for Clemson, recording one tackle vs. No. 24 North Carolina in the ACC Championship and one against No. 6 Tennessee in the Orange Bowl. 

Dudley was projected as the backup to preseason All-American inside linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr.  At 6'1, 230 pounds, he was a big linebacker on this team. With his departure, another redshirt freshman, Kobe McCloud (5'10, 225), and freshman Dee Crayton (6'1, 215), the No. 9 linebacker in the nation, according to Rivals.com, will likely compete for snaps behind Trotter. 

McCloud made two game appearances playing three total defensive snaps against Louisiana Tech and No. 24 North Carolina.

Another intriguing option for snaps is walk-on Fletcher Cothran (6'3, 210). The former T.L. Hanna linebacker's size makes him a candidate to shore up depth behind Trotter Jr. 

Preseason All-American outside linebacker Barrett Carter, and Wade Woodaz are expected to join Trotter Jr. in the starting lineup and freshman Jamal Anderson is the only scholarship player left at the position but his thin frame (6'4, 205) projects him to the outside.