Late night call flips Joseph from Duke to Clemson

As a junior, Joseph tallied 129 tackles and 12 tackles for loss.

David Hood - Senior Writer - Monday, June 17 2013

A late night phone conversation between Clemson defensive coordinator Brent VenablesBrent Venables
Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
View Full Profile and 4-star linebacker prospect Kendall Joseph Kendall Joseph
Linebacker
6-1, 230
Belton-Honea Path,
View Full Profile turned out to be the phone call that allows Joseph to be a Clemson Tiger.

The 2014 prospect out of Belton (SC) Belton-Honea Path announced early Monday morning in his school gymnasium that he was committing to Clemson, becoming the 12th commitment for the 2014 recruiting cycle for the Tigers. He is also the third linebacker to give his verbal, joining Korie Rogers Korie Rogers
Outside Linebacker
6-2, 200
Buford, GA
View Full Profile and Chris Register Chris Register
Outside Linebacker
6-4, 210
Greensboro, NC
View Full Profile.

However, the decision wasn’t an easy one, and Joseph decided late Sunday that Duke was his collegiate choice. He visited Duke late last week, and the Blue Devil coaching staff put on the full court press in an effort to land Joseph, and he and his family decided late Sunday on Duke.

“Duke did a great job of recruiting me,” Joseph told TigerNet early Monday. “They have a lot of great people there, great academics, and they sold me on what they are doing with the program. They are doing big things there, like rebuilding the stadium. They have a great coach, and they were hoping I would come there and help them rebuild. They showed me a lot of love.”

Joseph then wanted to let the Clemson coaches know of his decision, and he called Venables with the news.

“To be honest, I almost committed to Duke,” he said. “I talked to Coach Venables, and he knew what I was thinking before I called. He talked to me for over an hour, and that got me to thinking. I realized he has been able to develop so much talent. So I called my granddad and then I called my uncle – they always help me when I need someone to talk to. I just woke up after talking to them and realized Clemson was the best place for me.”

Joseph said that being able to work with a coordinator like Venables – who has a great reputation as a developer of talent – was one of the keys.

“I just had to realize what a great opportunity I have there,” he said. “Coach Venables is a great coach, and he has developed a lot of talent. That alone made me want to come to Clemson. But Clemson also has great academics and they already have a great football program – that alone makes it a great overall experience.”

He also likes that he has the chance to play so close to all of his friends and family.

“I have an amazing support group,” he said. “Clemson isn’t that far away from home, and they will all be able to follow me. They only have to drive 30 minutes to see a game. Clemson is the best fit for me, and this is big. Now I can’t wait for my senior season to get started, and put all of the focus into that. I am happy to get it over with.”

Joseph said he realizes he has a lot of work to do, but thinks Clemson is getting a linebacker with a lot of potential.

“Clemson is a getting a great leader. Someone that will pick up the playbook very quickly,” he said. “I am going to be watching film and trying to get better. I am not even close to realizing my full potential.”

As a junior, Joseph tallied 129 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, two sacks, two blocked kicks and 13 quarterback hurries. On offense, he rushed 17 times for 132 yards for an average of 7.7 yards per carry, with five touchdowns, and he also threw for a score.

As a sophomore, he recorded 115 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and six quarterback hurries in seven games.