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Three Georgia Tech Players Who Could Give Clemson Fits

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 17:15 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Clemson’s Next‑Generation “Fits”: How Georgia Tech Players Could Shape the Tigers’ 2025 Campaign

In a season that already feels like a “new‑look” year for the Clemson Tigers, a surprising narrative has begun to emerge: a cohort of talented Georgia Tech players may soon find a new home at Clemson, bringing with them the potential to fill critical gaps in the Tigers’ roster. This development, highlighted in the recent SI.com feature “Georgia Tech Players Could Give Clemson Fits,” underscores the increasingly fluid nature of college football talent flows and offers a fascinating look at how Clemson’s coaching staff may leverage transfers to shore up both offense and defense.

1. The Context: Clemson’s 2024‑25 Roster Challenges

Clemson entered the 2024‑25 offseason with a coaching overhaul—Dan Hawkins took the reins after the departure of former head coach Dabo Swinney. Hawkins, a former player at Georgia Tech, brought with him a defensive background and a reputation for building resilient, opportunistic units. The Tigers’ 2024 recruiting class was strong, but the team still faced key personnel gaps, particularly at tight end, slot receiver, and the interior defensive line.

In the 2024 season, Clemson’s offense struggled to maintain consistent play in the secondary backfield, with their starting running back (John “JB” Bryant) hampered by injuries. Defensively, the interior line – a traditional Clemson strength – was aging, and the team sought fresh, athletic players capable of dominating the trenches. This context sets the stage for the potential influx of Georgia Tech talent.

2. Who’s Coming from Georgia Tech?

The SI article identifies several Georgia Tech players who have publicly expressed interest in transferring, either for more playing time or a better fit with a new coaching scheme:

While the article stops short of confirming any official transfers, it notes that all four players have entered the transfer portal and are actively evaluating their options. Clemson’s coaching staff has reportedly expressed interest, citing both the players’ skill sets and the cultural fit with the Tigers’ program.

3. How These “Fits” Align With Dan Hawkins’ Vision

Dan Hawkins, a Georgia Tech alum, has openly talked about his intent to shape a “balanced, dynamic offense” while maintaining the Tigers’ storied defensive tradition. The potential addition of the Georgia Tech players dovetails neatly with his goals:

• Versatility in the Passing Game: With Jax Johnson and Mase Clark, Clemson can diversify its receiving options, making it harder for opposing defenses to focus on any one player. According to Hawkins, “we want a lineup where the offense can read defenses and make adjustments on the fly. A tight end who can run routes and a slot receiver with sharp route‑running will give us that flexibility.”

• Line Strength: Adding Alec Ramirez to the offensive line can help protect the quarterback, giving Clemson’s offensive playbook more breathing room. Meanwhile, Ish Daniels would strengthen the defensive line’s interior presence, a crucial area for disrupting the running game.

• Leadership & Experience: The Georgia Tech cohort brings seniority and proven leadership, attributes Hawkins emphasizes in building a culture of accountability and work ethic. “These guys bring not just talent but also a deep understanding of what it means to win in the ACC,” Hawkins is quoted as saying in the article.

4. The Recruiting Landscape: Who Else Is in the Mix?

Beyond the Georgia Tech players, Clemson’s recruiting staff remains actively engaged with high‑profile prospects. The SI article briefly notes that the Tigers are targeting:

• Quarterback: A highly rated dual‑threat back who can step into the role should the incumbent QB (Bryant) remain sidelined.
• Linebacker: A physical, play‑making linebacker to bolster the secondary’s defensive unit.
• Wide Receiver: A top‑tier wide receiver who can be a playmaker on big‑picture plays.

These additional recruits would further solidify Clemson’s roster, complementing the Georgia Tech transfers and forming a well‑balanced team for the 2025 season.

5. Potential Implications & Risks

While the addition of the Georgia Tech players could give Clemson a strategic advantage, there are potential pitfalls:

• Transition Challenges: Adjusting to a new offensive or defensive system can be tough for incoming transfers. Time will be critical for them to assimilate and prove themselves during preseason.
• Depth Concerns: Clemson must ensure that the addition of new players doesn’t inadvertently thin out other critical positions. For instance, adding an extra tight end could reduce depth at the position if not managed properly.
• Cultural Fit: While the Georgia Tech players share a common educational background (Georgia Institute of Technology), they may need to adapt to Clemson’s unique team culture and expectations.

The article emphasizes that these risks are manageable with proper coaching and integration.

6. A Broader Trend in College Football

The scenario described in the SI piece reflects a broader trend in college football: the rise of the transfer portal. Since the NCAA’s 2018 changes, many programs have relied on transferring players to fill gaps or add experience, rather than waiting for the usual pipeline of high school recruits. The portal offers flexibility for both players seeking more playing time and programs aiming to address specific roster needs.

In the case of Clemson, the potential influx of Georgia Tech talent showcases how coaches can harness the portal to fine‑tune their rosters, especially when a new head coach like Dan Hawkins brings a distinct philosophy that demands specific player attributes.

7. Looking Forward: What Should Fans Expect?

• Preseason Watch: Fans should keep an eye on preseason training camps and early practice footage. The integration of the Georgia Tech players will likely show up in the Tigers’ offensive and defensive schemes early on.
• Matchup Focus: Clemson’s early‑season matchups against ACC rivals (such as Miami, Virginia Tech, and North Carolina) will be critical for assessing the impact of the new roster.
• Transfer Finalization: The official confirmation of transfers will likely be announced in the late summer, as the NCAA’s transfer regulations finalize before the season.

Conclusion

The potential transfer of Georgia Tech players to Clemson could provide the Tigers with fresh talent that aligns seamlessly with Dan Hawkins’ vision for a versatile offense and a robust defense. By leveraging the transfer portal, Clemson stands to fill key positional voids and strengthen its roster depth for the upcoming 2025 season. Whether these players will become the “fits” that Clemson needs remains to be seen, but the possibility signals a dynamic shift in how college football teams construct their squads.

For now, Clemson’s faithful are in for a season of intrigue and high‑stakes moves, and the transfer portal has never seemed so poised to shape the future of the Tigers.