With RJ Hudson decommitting from Clemson on Thursday, the Tigers now find themselves in need of another linebacker.

The three-star talent committed to Clemson back in the summer, about two weeks after picking up his offer. At that point, Syracuse and Maryland were the two schools pushing for his services. Penn State and Virginia Tech were also in the conversation.

However, last month, Texas jumped in with an offer. Hudson has now locked in plans to take an official visit to Austin on October 24. Regardless of how this plays out, Hudson is headed elsewhere, leaving the Tigers looking at other options.

Clemson does still have two high school recruits committed, with four-star Bryce Kish and three-star Max Brown, who is the younger brother of Sammy Brown, both still locked in. However, when you look at who is expected to depart the linebacker room at the conclusion of the season, it’s easy to see the staff has more work to do.

Jeremiah Alexander, Kobe McCloud and Fletcher Cothran are all in their final seasons. Sammy Brown could easily decide to enter the NFL Draft next April, although I believe there is a better-than-decent chance he returns for a fourth season. While that may not be fully decided just yet, the staff probably already has a good indication of which way Brown is leaning and can plan accordingly.

CJ Kubah-Taylor, Drew Woodaz, Logan Anderson and Brayden Reilly are also back next season, assuming none enter the portal.

What Clemson really needs here is a veteran presence from the portal to add to the room, not a third high school prospect. Imagine this defense had Luke Ferrelli not been poached at the 11th hour by Ole Miss. Brown would be able to play MIKE, where he belongs. And if Brown does decide to enter the draft, the Tigers might very well need two portal backers.

Kish and the younger Brown give you what you need on the high school front. Two high-ceiling players, but neither is likely to be a plug-and-play type of talent. If you take that spot that just opened with Hudson’s decommitment, fill it with an experienced transfer who can come in and play right away and the level of the defense is raised.

– Photo courtesy of Bart Baotwright/The Clemson Insider