2017 National Signing Day: Clemson Early Enrollee Logan Rudolph

The man with possibly the best commitment video this year, DE Logan Rudolph is one of Clemson’s 4 early enrollees this year. The South Carolina native comes from Rock Hill and is currently listed at 6’3” and 228 lbs. His primary recruiter has been Brent Venables and he had offers from Kentucky and UNC among other schools. He’s one of the 5 best players to come out of the state this year and while there has been some consternation about Clemson’s focus on out of state athletes in 2017, it is good to see some local talent arriving. The 247 Composite considers him to be a 4 star.

During the recruiting process Rudolph seems likely to be a weakside DE, though there has been talk among the recruiting services that he fits more as an LB. Assuming he adds a little bit of weight he’s likely going to remain as a DE. While some may say he’s too light, my guess is the staff will try and fit him into a Vic Beasley type role, assuming he puts it all together.

QT’s Take:

Clemson sees Logan Rudolph as a LB and that is where he will start his career. The catch is that he will be a hybrid LB/DE and probably play mostly as a standup DE like Beasley or Yeargin. With Foster and Rudolph playing a similar type of position we may try to expand this role in the defense. The ability to have a DE who can standup and drop into coverage, and not be a total liability in space, gives the defensive coordinator a lot of options. Rudolph gives you some scheme versatility. We have enough numbers and talent currently at LB, but not much depth at DE. Rudolph also played decently as a Tight End some in high school, but will be a DE/LB in college.

The question for Rudolph will be how well he takes to the weight he will need to put on. He still needs to pack on 15-20 pounds of muscle and fill out his lower body further. Right now he has good short range quickness and agility to play in space, but he will need to maintain that with the additional pounds.

Logan played with his hand on the ground as a traditional 4-3 defender in high school so he knows how to rush the passer. He will need to work on being able to set the edge in college and not get reached. He doesn’t have the longest of arms like some of the freak DE’s we’ve been able to bring in, but when Rudolph gets to the QB or ball carrier—he knows what to do. Vicious hitter who wraps up well. Motor. Motor. Motor. I think he is appropriately ranked as a low 4* player, but a guy with the work ethic and drive to beat that ranking.