CLEMSON – The defensive end rotation got competitive quickly for 2024, and a sophomore is trying to find his way into the mix.

AJ Hoffler didn’t say many reps early on, mainly because of his size, but he found his way into the rotation as the year went along. Enrolling last summer, so there wasn’t much time to adjust but Hoffler found confidence through practice.

“I was a little nervous as I got here in the summer time. I’m pretty small so I didn’t really know what I was getting into but once I think it was the first day of vests, I went against Blake (Miller) and I didn’t get driven 30 yards down the field. I was like oh, I can do this,” Hoffler said.

As the season went along, Hoffler slowly found his way into the rotation. The NC State game was his first big experience, and that was important experience for the young pass rusher.

Weight is something that Hoffler is keying on for 2024. He’s gained 10 pounds in upper body to boost his strength as he stands at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds.

Lower body strength is where most of his power comes from, so mixing it up top was the key, especially in the run game. Hoffler said it will help him in that phase “a lot more” as a sophomore.

”I’m right around 255 right now and by the time of the season, I want to be around 260 something so just putting the weight on slowly so I can keep my speed but getting stronger so I can play against the bigger tackles like the Georgia’s. Putting it on slowly but keeping everything that I have,” Hoffler said.

That last part is key as the season opens in Atlanta against Georgia. Nothing will test Hoffler’s strength more than that matchup and this adjustment could pay dividends come August.