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Lumberjack is almost back: Logan Rudolph expects to be healthy for spring
Rudolph expects to be healthy when spring practice begins

Lumberjack is almost back: Logan Rudolph expects to be healthy for spring


by - Senior Writer -

The lumberjack is almost back.

Logan Rudolph, a four-star defensive end and linebacker out of Rock Hill (SC) Northwestern, made a viral video last May when he committed to Clemson. Rudolph posted a video of him wearing nothing but cut-off jean shorts and boots while chopping wood.

He enrolled at Clemson and wound up as a reserve at defensive end, where he played in Clemson’s first two games, registering three tackles. However, a chronic shoulder issue popped back up and Rudolph elected to have surgery.

“At the beginning of the season, I thought I could stick it out,” Rudolph told TigerNet. “And then Boston College week it came out again for the second time which was disappointing. So I chose to go ahead and get it taken care of.”

Rudolph hasn’t been cleared to practice but says he’s close to being healthy. In the meantime, he’s taken the extra time to learn the defense and prepare for next season.

“I feel good. I am supposed to be at 100 percent by February, and I'm anxious to see where I'm at. I am feeling good and I can't wait to get back out there,” he said. “It's been good, but it's been tough, just having to watch at practice. Obviously, I haven't been playing and I have grown from it a lot. It has been a good experience to get better and get stronger.”

Once he returns, he expects to find a home at defensive end even if players like Austin Bryant decide to return for another season.

“I think I will play defensive end and I think it's a good fit. That is what Coach V (defensive coordinator Brent Venables) wants me to play and I think I can be effective there,” Rudolph said. “It's their (the draft-eligible players) decision and they can do what they want, but I am looking forward to the opportunity. I am just going to get better every day.”

Playing on the same side as Bryant has given Rudolph a chance to learn, from both Bryant and defensive line coach Todd Bates.

“Definitely a lot. He has been a great player and a great role model for me,” he said of Bryant. “Just the way he carries himself on and off the field, he has been a great representative for this school and someone for me to watch. Coach Bates is a great coach. It's his first year and he's come in and adapted to the defense and he’s been a great role model and teacher.”

What is his goal for the spring?

“Just get better every day and take it one day at a time,” Rudolph said. “Just be the best player I can be and not worry about anything else. I just want to get better and learn the position and compete for a job.”

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