Swinney Compares New DE Signee to Former Clemson Star

Clemson signed a couple of defensive ends as part of its 2026 recruiting class, one of whom is J.R. Hardrick.

A talented edge rusher, Hardrick blossomed at Tennessee’s 1A level, earning all-region and all-state honors in each of his final three prep seasons.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney compares Hardrick (6-6, 235) to former Tiger star Andre Branch, who earned second-team All-American honors in 2011 and was a first-team All-ACC selection that year before being selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round (38th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft.

“When I look at him, I think Andre Branch,” Swinney said of Hardrick. “That’s kind of what I think. That similar body type. I’m not saying…