Clemson received the commitment of Raymond “RJ” Hudson, a 3-star linebacker from Virginia who also had offers from Penn State, Maryland, and Virginia Tech. He is the third linebacker in the recruiting class joining LB Bryce Kish — the defensive headliner — and Max Brown — a heat seeking missile who knifes through blockers to take down running backs.
Hudson is unique from the other linebackers in the class. He is a pass rush specialist who tallied 13 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries,
and an interception last year as a high school junior. Most of his tape shows him lining up out as a 5-tech defensive end (i.e., outside the offensive tackle) or 7-tech (even wider) rather than linebacker.
He shows excellent acceleration and speed. 247Sports notes that he earned a “rare 94 speed score from NextGen Prospects and was initially being recruited to run track in college.”
Hudson is expected to play linebacker rather than defensive end in college given his size (6-2 215lbs). His ability to successfully transition to that position and not be a liability in pass coverage will determine how quickly he plays and how impactful he can be. While that invites some questions, his ability as a pass rusher gives him enticing upside. Clemson needs better depth at linebacker, especially with Sammy Brown, Kobe McCloud, and Jeremiah Alexander all possibly leaving after this season. A strong class at linebacker from position Coach Ben Boulware was a must!
