Peter Woods was a nightmare to contain.
Since 2023, Woods was a mainstay along the Tigers’ defensive front. Now, with Peter moving on to the NFL, Dabo Swinney and Clemson must replace his production on that side of the ball.
Going into fall camp there are two strong candidates that could step up and fill the gap left by Peter Woods. No pun intended.
Amare Adams
Amare Adams was one of the most heralded defensive linemen in the country during his high school playing career. He was the number seven overall recruit nationally, the second highest rated defensive lineman, and the number one recruit in South Carolina as a member of the 2024 recruiting cycle.
In two years at Clemson, Adams has played sparingly. logging 107 snaps over 10 games as a reserve during the 2025 season. He recorded five total tackles and one solo tackle last year. Adams needs to take the next step in his development and live up to the high school hype for the Tigers. Needing a strong interior presence, he fits the bill to give Clemson what they need on the defensive line.
While inexperienced, Amare Adams is a prime candidate to replace Peter Woods if he indeed takes the next step as a football player.
Florence Morning News Preseason Player of Year Amare Adams
Markus Strong
The second candidate that could potentially fill the void left by Peter Woods is transfer Markus Strong. Strong transferred to Clemson from Oklahoma and former Tigers’ defensive coordinator Brent Venables’ Sooners program.
Strong has more experience under his belt than Adams, and the 6-foot-3-inch, 295-pound defensive lineman saw snaps over three seasons at Oklahoma, from 2023-25. Last year, Strong logged eight tackles and one sack. Three of his tackles were of the solo variety.
While neither player has the overall stats that jump off a page, the physical measurables and potential are there. If given the chance, either Adams, Strong, or both could take the reins and become a force along Clemson’s defensive line. Replacing Peter Woods is no easy task for Swinney and defensive coordinator Tom Allen, but they have the personnel to make it happen.
Who will take control? That question will be answered soon.
