What Logan Rudolph did to earn the backup DE job for Clemson

Clemson freshman Logan Rudolph moved to a new position and has been battling a shoulder injury since arriving on campus but that has not slowed down the freshman.

The Northwestern product is listed as a backup on Clemson’s depth chart for the opener against Kent State and is expected to contribute.

Defensive end Clelin Ferrell, who should have a big year for the Tigers, is not surprised to see Rudolph near the top of the depth chart.

Fellow true freshman Justin Foster is listed behind Rudolph and should also receive playing time for Clemson after also moving from linebacker in high school to defensive end.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen two guys come in and focus on learning the position that fast. I’m really excited for our young guys,” Ferrell said.

Rudolph made headlines during the recruiting process when he committed to the Tigers in a video while wearing jean shorts and no shirt and cutting down a tree.

Ferrell said he knew from the video Rudolph was “a little bit crazy,” and the team has joked with him about it, but on the football field he has been impressive.

“He’s very intense. No matter what if a guy plays with effort you’ll find a spot for him somewhere,” Ferrell said. “That’s the biggest thing, just seeing his effort. He’s been dealing with a little bit of a shoulder, but he’s past that now. When he was injured with a shoulder he was fighting through it. You can see how tough he is and the intensity he plays with is something I hone in on.”

Tigers coach Dabo Swinney added that Rudolph will have to have surgery on his shoulder at some point but he has played well in practice through the pain.

“He’s trying to play through it and he’s demonstrated that he can,” Swinney said. “At some point he’s going to have to get it cleaned up. Hopefully he won’t have any setbacks. Right now he’s performing well for us.”

Swinney also said that Rudolph has consistently done enough in practice to earn the No. 2 job.

“Logan’s a heck of a football player,” Swinney said. “The kid came in and has worked his butt off and earned that spot right now. He’s proven to be the most dependable guy right now as the second-team guy.”

This story was originally published August 29, 2017 at 11:42 AM with the headline "What Logan Rudolph did to earn the backup DE job for Clemson."