"They Are As Advertised": Dabo Swinney High On Freshmen Defensive Linemen

Clemson football wrapped up their first of three scrimmages this spring on Wednesday. The Tigers are now through seven of fifteen spring practices. Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney met with the media to break down the scrimmage. One thing is for sure, the Tigers' head coach is excited about his freshman defensive linemen.

"It’s easy to see those young d-linemen," said Swinney. "Hard to miss those guys. They are as advertised, that’s for sure. Those four d-linemen in here, they’re burly and they’re violent. TJ [Parker] and Peter [Woods], they’re everything you want. Same thing with Jamal [Anderson] and Dee [Crayton]. They absolutely really stand out."

Swinney was bullish in his praise of Peter Woods, Clemson's highest-rated defensive lineman in the 2023 class. When asked how he compared to former Clemson greats Christian Wilkins and Bryan Bresee as freshmen, Swinney didn't hesitate in acknowledging that Woods is more advanced.

"I’d say he’s ahead of [where Christian Wilkins and Bryan Bresee were as freshmen]. He’s ahead of them in that both of those guys played at really small [high] schools. Peter’s one of the strongest kids on the team right now. He played 7A football in Alabama. He played in 5 state championships in a row and won four of them in a row at Thompson high school. He’s just played at a really high level. He’s further along as a football player but has all the things you love about a Bryan or a Christian." said Swinney.

"Really, that whole room, that whole group of mid-years are as advertised. I’ve noticed every single one of those guys. [Christopher Vizzina] I thought really looked poised today. Those three [offensive] linemen are really going to be good players, I’ve noticed all of them at one time or another. Shelton [Lewis] had a pick-six today, he’s a kid that’s really stood out. They’re what we thought they were. I think they’ve all flashed at some point."

With the lack of depth at wide receiver - the Tigers currently have seven receivers sidelined with injuries - the door is opened for freshman Noble Johnson to make some headway this spring. His head coach has been pleased with what he's seen.

"Noble [Johnson] is a kid that’s really, really skilled," said Swinney of his freshmen receiver. "He’s got all the ability in the world. I think we knocked it out of the park [with him]. He’s still got a lot to learn as far as putting it together, but man, he can really run and change direction. He’s got a great body for the position. He’s a great kid."

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