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Clemson’s late portal push says less about desperation and more about adaptation

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Clemson’s interest in Tennessee transfer Caleb Herring reflects a subtle shift in how the Tigers are building defensive depth in the portal era.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 08 Florida State at Clemson | Icon Sportswire/GettyImages

Clemson’s pursuit of former Tennessee edge rusher Caleb Herring isn’t a last-minute scramble. It’s a signal.

For years, the Clemson Tigers built dominant defenses the same way: identify elite high school talent, develop patiently, trust continuity. That model still matters. But the Tigers’ late-window portal interest along the edge shows a program adjusting to modern roster math without abandoning its identity.