A former Clemson linebacker is transitioning into a bigger defensive role for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Eagles third-year pro Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is moving into a regular linebacker rotation alongside Jihaad Campbell.

Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio confirmed that Trotter will split playing time in a rotation with Campbell moving forward.

Trotter’s expanded defensive role was initially set to begin during the Week 5 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday, but Trotter was ejected on the opening kickoff following a scuffle with Bryan Thomas Jr.

“Yeah, we were going to play Trotter some,” Fangio said, via NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Despite the ejection, Fangio reaffirmed that the series-by-series type of rotation between Trotter and Campbell, next to starter Zack Baun, is still the plan for the defense.

The decision to expand Trotter’s role comes after his big performance in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. With Baun out for that game, Trotter drew a start and recorded a game-high and career-high 15 tackles along with a pass breakup.

Fangio praised Trotter, saying that he “played good” and “deserves playing time.”

“Well, Trot played good in the start that he had when Zack was out,” Fangio said of the Eagles’ Week 4 game against the Rams. “And, you know, it was close. I just think he deserves playing time.”

Trotter’s first opportunity in his new role will come on Sunday, when the Eagles host the Carolina Panthers.

 Trotter was selected by the Eagles in the fifth round (No. 155 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, joining the organization where his father, Jeremiah Trotter, spent eight of his 11 NFL seasons and earned four Pro Bowl selections as well as a spot in the organization’s Hall of Fame.

Trotter Jr. has tallied 19 tackles so far this season and is credited with 76 tackles over 39 career NFL regular-season games from 2024-26.

Trotter Jr. capped his rookie 2024 season with a Super Bowl championship after the Eagles’ 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

He spent three years at Clemson from 2021-23 and was named as an All-American in both 2022 and 2023, becoming Clemson’s first multi-time All-American at linebacker since Keith Adams in 1999 and 2000.