Clemson Football will take the field in Memorial Stadium at 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon for its annual orange and white Clemson spring game. The spring game marks the official end of spring practice, and with its conclusion the official countdown to the 2024 season can begin.
The Tigers’ defense is expected to one again be among the best in the country. There are several storylines to keep an eye on during the spring game, from the development of players that stood out as freshmen, to changing positions, and the first glimpse of Clemson’s coveted true freshman class. Here are five things to watch for from the Clemson defense during the 2024 spring football game.
What can Brown do for you?
True freshman linebacker Sammy Brown was the jewel of Dabo Swinney’s 2024 recruiting class. The five-star and consensus top 10 prospect from Jefferson, GA has generated buzz at every level of his recruitment and through his first spring on Clemson’s campus. Brown has drawn rave reviews throughout spring practice. His athleticism and versatility lead many to believe he will make an immediate impact as a true freshman. Saturday, playing in front of fans in Death Valley for the first time, Brown has an opportunity to show Clemson faithful what they can expect to see for at least the next three seasons. When it comes to the Tigers’ defense, everybody is ready to see what Sammy Brown can do.
Second(ary) to none
By the end of the 2023 season, the Clemson secondary was led by a group of young freshmen who had taken the college football world by storm. Khalil Barnes, Avieon Terrell, and Kylon Griffon turned into bona fide starts and help cement the back end of the Tigers’ defense. Everyone should be excited to see the next steps in their respective careers, and the impact made by the sensational sophomore trio should be fun to watch. In general, Clemson has one of the more talented secondaries in the country. Pay attention to them Saturday and you will see just how good these guys are.
Who steps up?
When the rosters were released for the spring game, there were a number of notable omissions who will not play on Saturday. Among those are Peter Woods and Vic Burley along the defensive line but there are players missing in action on both sides of the ball. While fans would certainly like to see everyone get snaps on Saturday, there are players further down the depth chart who will have a chance to impress the coaching staff. Keep a watchful eye on the Tigers’ youth and under the radar players. You never know where the next star will come from.
New faces
The largest amount of attrition on the Tigers’ roster came along the defensive line. Gone from the 2023 team are veterans Tyler Davis, Ruke Orhorhoro, and Xavier Thomas. Woods, who will not play Saturday, and fellow freshman phenom T.J. Parker return, but there are some new faces up front that Clemson fans should be excited about and pay attention to on Saturday.
Stephiylan Green is a young player ready for his chance. Green logged just 13 snaps last season, but the talented former 4-star recruit is ready to take the next step. Then there is true freshman Champ Thompson. The 4-star defensive tackle prospect has flashed during spring practice, and everyone from coaches, to teammates, to media have spoken highly of his play and demeanor. Everyone should be excited to see what these young men can bring to the table in 2024.
Wade Woodaz
It seems that every Clemson team has a grizzled veteran linebacker to help anchor the defense. Ben Boulware, Chad Smith, and James Skalski are several who come to mind. The 2024 Clemson Tigers have Wade Woodaz who fits that same mold. The common thread between Boulware, Smith, and Skalski was their vocal leadership. Dabo Swinney and Wes Goodwin have both mentioned that Woodaz is showing those same characteristics. The Tigers will have a talented linebacker room, with Barrett Carter also returning, but look for Wade Woodaz to take up the mantle of veteran leader at the position and bring a blue-collar element to the Clemson defense.
