News broke out of Clemson late Saturday that starting cornerback Derion Kendrick is no longer with the team and is expected to enter the transfer portal. Kendrick came to Clemson as a much-heralded recruit and the potential was through the roof but never came to fruition. Derion came to Clemson as a much-heralded Athlete (former HS QB) and started his career with the Tigers as a wideout. In 2019 the staff moved him to Cornerback and he was named the starter after fall camp 2019. During the season Kendrick was in and out of the lineup and seemed to always find his way into the Dabo Swinney “Doghouse”. This was the case in previous seasons as well. And this time it looks like Swinney could no longer allow the Rock Hill native to be a part of the 2021 squad and has decided to part ways with the young man. Stay tuned as we dig in and find out the “final straw” but it does not surprise us here with DK’s past here at Clemson.
Responses
There are two perspectives as I see it, one, an athlete understands the concept of Team, and two, the athlete only sees themselves as the focus. These young people receive a lot of praise and celebrity after having one good season. I can certainly understand how this might get confusing as one believes their stock has grown exponentially. Too many “I” phrases begin entering the conversations between player and coaches. I want to start, I want to play, I need to be seen, I need to be in the news…and it goes on and on. Successful programs can absorb decisions like this but I fear for the young person only seeing the Unidirectional possibilities. I’m reminded of the young man Feaster going to University of SC believing he would get his opportunity. He quickly learned without a great O line…you’re just one of 11. I felt bad for him because fans learned who he was at Clemson and forgot who he was after he left. I just wish there was a way to encourage this young man to mature, settle down and become part of the team.