One of Clemson’s transfer portal acquisitions on the defensive side of the ball this offseason has sustained a major injury.

Clemson transfer defensive tackle Kourtney Kelly has suffered a torn ACL, per the school. He tore it in the scrimmage before spring break and subsequently had surgery last Thursday.

His recovery timetable is to be determined.

Kelly was one of nine portal additions for the Tigers on defense. After redshirting during his freshman season at West Georgia, Kelly notched 17 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks and one fumble recovery.

The 6-foot-3, 280-pounder has been one of several players vying for playing time on the interior of the defensive line, along with Vic Burley, Champ Thompson, Hevin Brown-Shuler, Amare Adams and fellow transfer Markus Strong. JUCO signee Any Burburija will enroll in the summer and is expected to be a factor in the rotation.

Prior to the injury, Swinney had been pleased with Kelly’s progress.

“He is a young player, he has three years left,” Swinney said. “He is a guy that has flashed a lot this spring.”