LB Kendall Joseph Commits to Clemson

Kendall Joseph (6'0 228, 4.68 40), a linebacker from Belton-Honea Path in SC, committed to Clemson this morning. He had offers from Kentucky, GT, and Louisville among others. He is our 12th commitment out of roughly 15-18 spots.

Brent Venables really loves the way Joseph plays football. He's a bit short, but suited to MLB over the other positions. He doesn't wow me with speed on film, but he takes on blockers aggressively inside and generally plays mad, which are two qualities I like to see in a LB. He plays pretty disciplined and reads his run keys well, and lateral speed is adequate for a MIKE. He tends to tackle a little high however, and his pads are too high from what I can see. His lack of height just makes up for some of it. I'm not wowed at all by his coverage skills, he looks as tight as Justin Parker did.

The problem he'll face is the short arms and the lack of reach to engage blockers early and shed them more often. He could get himself into a pickle like Corico Hawkins did if he fails to engage or evade properly.

Joseph is officially listed as a Chad Morris recruit, but this one is Venables all the way. He's also going to qualify without a problem.

Clemson is done at LB for this class, with the exception of R. McMillan. I personally think 4 is too high a number for a team that has plenty already, loses only 2, and plays 40% Nickel.