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Tim McManus, ESPN Staff Writer
PHILADELPHIA — Jeremiah Trotter to the Eagles. Again.
With the 20th pick in the fifth round, the Eagles selected Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. — the son of one of the most beloved players to wear the midnight green.
Trotter Sr., a third-round pick of the Eagles in 1998, patrolled the middle of the defense for eight seasons, racking up four Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl appearance during that time.
“It means a lot. I know the type of legacy he left with this organization and the fans, just how they treat him. It definitely means a lot to come in and continue that legacy,” Trotter said of his father and joining his team. “I’m trying to help out the team any way I can. I’m a hometown kid and the Eagles were always my favorite team growing up, so it’s definitely great to be able to play for them and just have the opportunity that I have.”
Trotter Jr. was born in New Jersey and played high school football at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia. He went on to star at Clemson, where he posted 29.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and 4 interceptions over three seasons.
He was named second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC in 2023 after compiling 88 tackles (15 for loss), 5.5 sacks and 2 interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Linebacker was an area of weakness last season for the Eagles, who finished 30th in points allowed (25.2 ppg). That presents opportunity for Trotter Jr. He joins a room that includes Nakobe Dean and a pair of new free agent arrivals in Devin White and Oren Burks.
At 6-foot, 228 pounds, he is on the smaller side for middle linebackers, but he earned a reputation at Clemson for having a high football IQ and a knack for getting to the ball. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award last season, given to the nation’s top linebacker.
Trotter’s father finished his career with the Eagles in 2009 at 32 years old, starting in seven games and finishing with 29 total tackles.
“He played the game where he is more up in the gap, spiking gaps, getting downhill and just blowing up linemen,” Trotter said of his father. “In today’s game, I’m more run around, run sideline to sideline. I’ve got to be able to play out in space.”
