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Clemson Getting Great News on Top Transfer Addition
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- Clemson Getting Great News on Top Transfer Addition
(USA TODAY Network)
The Clemson Tigers were unusually busy in the transfer portal this past winter, marking a rather stark change for the previously stubborn Dabo Swinney.
One of the top players Clemson landed was former Colorado Buffaloes edge rusher London Merritt, who is expected to play a big role for the Tigers this season.
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Following the departure of T.J. Parker to the NFL, Clemson has some questions on the edge heading into 2026, and Merritt is looking to be part of the solution.
The good news is that he has looked tremendous this offseason, and defensive coordinator Tom Allen has made it clear that Merritt is a player to watch.
"London Merrit, I think, has taken his game to another level this fall," Allen said, via The Clemson Insider . "I thought he did a lot of good things in the spring."
Merritt logged 25 tackles, eight tackles for loss and a sack during his freshman campaign at Colorado last season, and Allen feels he is capable of much more.
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"You watched him in film from a year ago when he was playing at Colorado and he has really far exceeded what I thought he might come in and be able to do," Allen added. "Really excited about him."
Merritt will be battling for playing time in a room that also includes Will Heldt, Jahiem Lawson and Darien Mayo, but based on everything coming out of Clemson camp, he should certainly see the field quite a bit this fall.
The Tigers definitely have some question marks in the trenches after losing Parker as well as defensive tackles Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart to the NFL Draft. It should also be noted that Stephiylan Green transferred to LSU, whom Clemson will be facing in its season opener this Saturday.
But there is also no doubt that the Tigers have plenty of potential along their front seven.
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Not only is Merritt a potential sleeper, but Heldt is viewed by many as a possible first-round talent , and former five-star recruit Amare Adams is in line to get significant playing time on the interior.
Merritt and the Clemson defense absolutely have a lot to prove, but if things break right, the unit could be nasty, and Merritt could be at the center of it.
