With Myles Murphy, K.J. Henry and Kevin Swint having moved on from Clemson’s football program, the opportunity has come for some of the Tigers’ young defensive ends that have been waiting in the wings.

While defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall said he’s still working on a pecking order at the position, head coach Dabo Swinney is particularly high on one of those youngsters.

Veterans Xavier Thomas and Justin Mascoll will presumably take over as the starters on the edge, but Cade Denhoff figures to see his game reps increase significantly next season. Denhoff has been biding his time since signing with Clemson as a four-star recruit in 2021, playing just 20 defensive snaps over seven games the previous two seasons.

But with Thomas limited as he works his way back from a second foot surgery, Denhoff has gotten some first-team reps this spring.

“Cade does everything right,” Swinney said. “He’s what you want.”

Swinney was primarily referencing Denhoff’s attention to detail. The previous two seasons, including a redshirt year, have helped Denhoff make strides physically. He certainly looks the part heading into his third year in the program with 255 pounds packed onto his 6-foot-5 frame.

But Swinney said it’s Denhoff’s consistent approach that has him in a better position to contribute next season than some of the Tigers’ other young ends, including another former four-star signee, Zaire Patterson, who was also part of Clemson’s 2021 recruiting haul.

“Cade is all in in every aspect, does everything right and competes his butt off,” Swinney said. “You know exactly what you’re going to get out of him.”

Denhoff racked up 282 tackles and 26.5 sacks in 48 games during his prep career at Lakeland Christian (Florida) School. He played in six games last season primarily on special teams, but next fall could be Denhoff’s most impactful one yet as a Tiger.

Dear Old Clemson has added the Tiger Sack Pack to our online store.  Save by getting the Two Pack of signed cards from two of the nation’s top defensive ends, Myles Murphy and Xavier Thomas.

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