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Former Clemson football star traded by NFL team after just two seasons
TL;DR
Former Clemson football star Ruke Orhorhoro has been traded by the Atlanta Falcons to the Jacksonville Jaguars after just two seasons. The trade involves defensive tackle Maason Smith heading to the Falcons.
Key points
- Ruke Orhorhoro traded from Atlanta Falcons to Jacksonville Jaguars
- Trade involves defensive tackle Maason Smith
- Orhorhoro was a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft
- He played five seasons at Clemson, starting 30 games
- Orhorhoro recorded 88 tackles and 12 sacks in college
Ruke OrhorhoroAtlanta FalconsJacksonville JaguarsClemson Tigers
A former Clemson football standout is on the move in the NFL.
The Atlanta Falcons are trading former Clemson defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars for defensive tackle Maason Smith, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday.
Orhorhoro was the Falcons' second-round pick at No. 35 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He spent parts of five seasons with the Tigers from 2019-2023, playing in 53 games and making 30 starts.
The 6-foot-4, 295-pound tackle from Lagos, Nigeria, had 88 total tackles, 25.5 TFL and 12 sacks in his collegiate career. He started all 12 games his senior season at Clemson in 2023, making 25 tackles (eight for loss) with five sacks and one pass breakup.
Last season, Orhorhoro played in all 17 games for Atlanta and made 25 tackles (12 solo) to go with 3.5 sacks. The Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after finishing 8-9 for the second consecutive season.
Orhorhoro will join a Jaguars team anchored by former Clemson star quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who threw for 4,007 yards and 29 touchdowns after returning from an injury shortened 2024 season.
Lawrence led the Jaguars to the AFC South division title and a 13-4 regular season finish. Jacksonville lost to the Buffalo Bills, 27-24, in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs.
Q&A
Why was Ruke Orhorhoro traded from the Atlanta Falcons?
Ruke Orhorhoro was traded as part of a deal involving defensive tackle Maason Smith, indicating a strategic move by the Falcons.
What were Ruke Orhorhoro's college stats at Clemson?
During his time at Clemson, Ruke Orhorhoro recorded 88 total tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks over 53 games.
Which NFL team drafted Ruke Orhorhoro and when?
Ruke Orhorhoro was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round as the 35th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
