Clemson hasn’t taken many transfers in the portal era under Dabo Swinney, but the Tigers have seen their fair share of players depart.
Former Northwestern quarterback Hunter Johnson, who hasn’t played during his second stint with Clemson, and walk-on linebacker Jesiah Carlton are the only transfers that joined the Tigers’ program since the end of last season. Meanwhile, the Tigers lost more than 10 transfers during and after the 2021 season, many of which are contributing for new teams this fall.
How are those former Tigers performing? Here’s a look:
Joseph Charleston
Charleston is now at Missouri, where the former Clemson safety has started all eight of the Tigers’ games. He had a pick-six in his Mizzou debut and is third on the team with 38 tackles. Charleston also has two pass breakups.
Frank Ladson Jr.
After three years at Clemson, Ladson is now a consistent part of the receiver rotation at Miami. He’s played in all eight of the Hurricanes’ games and is tied for second on the team with 25 receptions. His 256 receiving yards are fourth-most on the team. Ladson, who’s also caught one touchdown, is averaging 10.2 yards per catch.
Kane Patterson
Patterson is getting some of the most extensive playing time of his career at Vanderbilt after spending three seasons at Clemson. A linebacker, Patterson already has a career-high 25 tackles in eight games. He’s also got four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks for the Commodores.
Ajou Ajou
Ajou spent two seasons at Clemson before joining former Tiger assistant Jeff Scott’s program at South Florida. Ajou has played in just one of the Bulls’ eight games and has two catches for 9 yards.
Ray Thornton
Thornton also joined Scott at USF after three seasons at Clemson. The former Tiger safety has played in just three games for the Bulls. He has three tackles and a pass breakup.
Michel Dukes
Another Clemson-to-USF transfer, Dukes has been a limited part of the Bulls’ backfield rotation. The former Clemson running back has 34 carries for 131 yards and four rushing touchdowns in seven games this season.
Paul Tchio
The former Clemson offensive lineman is now at Georgia Tech, where he’s a backup right guard and has played sparingly for the Yellow Jackets.
Taisun Phommachanh
Phommachanh joined Tchio at Georgia Tech after three seasons at Clemson, but the former Tiger quarterback has yet to play for the Yellow Jackets.
Darnell Jefferies
Jefferies has spent this season as a reserve defensive lineman at Minnesota. He’s got four tackles through the Gophers’ first eight games.
Jaelyn Lae
The former Clemson tight end transferred to Alabama State after last season and has five receptions for 56 yards for the Hornets.
Photo credit: Denny Medley/USA TODAY Sports
Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.
Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!
