Clemson dismisses LB T.J. Dudley for violation of team rules

CLEMSON — Clemson redshirt freshman linebacker T.J. Dudley has been dismissed for violating team rules.
Dudley, who was a four-star recruit in the 2022 class, played in four games last season while redshirting. He recorded two tackles.
The native of Montgomery, Ala., had a chance to be a key reserve behind junior linebackers Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter this season, and Clemson coach Dabo Swinney spoke highly of Dudley’s progress in the spring.
“I’m pleased with Dudley,” Swinney said in April. “I think Dudley’s a guy that came in with that (2022) group that’s starting to show a little maturity.”
“Thought he was a little silly and a little immature when he came in here, and, man, he’s really come on. He’s had a great spring.”
With Dudley gone, the Tigers will presumably rely on redshirt freshman Kobe McCloud and true freshmen Dee Crayton and Jamal Anderson to provide depth at the linebacker position.
Over the last year, Clemson has lost Sergio Allen (Cal) and LaVonta Bentley (Colorado) to transfer, and fourth-year reserve Keith Maguire opted not to use his fifth year of eligibility this season.
Clemson’s scholarship count falls to 83 with Dudley’s dismissal, not including either of the Tigers’ walk-on long snappers. One will likely be awarded a scholarship during fall camp, which will bring Clemson to 84.