Maurice "Mo" Clipper is back in the transfer portal, looking for one final landing spot to close out his college career. The former Tennessee offensive lineman, who most recently suited up for Charlotte, is on the move again after two seasons with the 49ers.
Clipper was a mainstay on Charlotte’s offensive line this past season, starting all 12 games at left guard. He logged 701 snaps, showing his durability and consistency as a fixture in the trenches.
While his Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade came in at 55.3 overall-52.0 in pass protection and 54.1 in the run game-those numbers only tell part of the story. Clipper’s experience and versatility, especially in a position group that thrives on cohesion and reps, make him an intriguing veteran option for teams seeking depth and reliability up front.
Looking back to 2024, Clipper served as more of a rotational piece. He came off the bench in each of his appearances, seeing time at both left and right guard.
That season, he played 87 total snaps across eight games, earning a PFF grade of 53.0. While the reps were limited, his ability to slide between positions shows a level of adaptability that coaches value, especially when injuries and depth issues inevitably arise during the grind of a season.
Before his time at Charlotte, Clipper spent two seasons at Tennessee. In 2023, he saw action in just two games for the Vols-logging five snaps in the season opener against Virginia and 14 more against UConn.
He earned a PFF grade of 54.7 during that brief stint. As a true freshman in 2022, Clipper appeared in games against Ball State and UT Martin, totaling 15 snaps and a 56.2 grade.
Coming out of Alpharetta, Georgia, Clipper was rated a three-star recruit and ranked No. 735 nationally in the 247 Composite rankings. While he didn’t break into the starting lineup at Tennessee, his journey reflects the path of many linemen who need time to develop and find the right fit.
As for Tennessee, the Vols have seen a wave of departures to the transfer portal this offseason-eight in total. That list includes backup quarterback Jake Merklinger, running back Peyton Lewis, defensive back Marcus Goree Jr., linebacker Brenden Anes, edge rusher Kellen Lindstrom, and defensive tackle Jamal Wallace.
Defensive back Boo Carter and lineman Trevor Duncan have also entered the portal, though neither was active with the team late in the season. Carter had been away from the program since November, while Duncan stepped away from football earlier after a medical retirement.
Clipper’s return to the portal adds another name to a growing list of veteran linemen looking to make the most of their final year of eligibility. With starting experience under his belt and positional flexibility, he could be a valuable late addition for a program in need of depth and leadership on the offensive front.