Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Clemson Tigers defensive coordinator Brent Venables added another linebacker commit to the 2014 class earlier today in South Carolina native, Kendall Joseph. The four-star rated linebacker (according to 247sports) becomes the 12th commitment for the Tigers and their 2014 class, and also the third linebacker commit as well.
While initially being recruited by offensive coordinator Chad Morris, some believe that the deciding factor for Joseph was the relationship he began to build with Venables, and that may have been what sealed the deal for the Honea Path, SC native.
This decision was almost very close to never coming to fruition, believe it or not. Joseph was dangerously close to committing his services to David Cutcliffe and the Duke Blue Devils. Aside from his recent Clemson visit, the LB also visited Durham, where he and his family walked away quite impressed. But, after a Sunday phone call with Venables, Joseph’s mind was made up–he would indeed be a Tiger.
At 6-1 and 228-pounds, Joseph has the frame to fit in to Clemson’s 4-3 defensive scheme in the middle. His quickness and physicality certainly paint a picture of a future defensive star down the road. And, as far as strength goes, the Tigers’ coaching staff has nothing to worry about in that department. Joseph is three-time state powerlifting champion in South Carolina. With a bench press in the 350 area and a squat near 480, ACC running backs should hesitate before deciding to meet this young man head-on–especially considering he’s only going to get stronger in a collegiate strength training program.
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Jack is the ACC College Football Writer for Rant Sports. Follow Jack on Twitter @JackJ14RS
