As you all know by now, Dabo Swinney and the Clemson coaching staff did a phenomenal job recruiting their 2023 class, and it showed on the field this season.
Left and right, we saw freshmen playing at a high level and contributing significantly. Freshmen were making plays, whether it was Peter Woods and T.J. Parker on the defensive line or Khalil Barnes and Avieon Terrell in the secondary.
According to PFF, Clemson actually had the most snaps played by freshmen this season, and it was by a wide margin. Clemson freshmen played 3,991 snaps this season, with the next closest being rivals South Carolina with 3,147. There is no note of whether this only includes Power 5 teams or not, only that the Tigers lead.
One thing to note is that they do contradict themselves here. While they listed Clemson as No.1, they’ve also said Iowa State freshmen have played 4,896 snaps this season, which is a good bit more than Clemson. It is a bit confusing with the lack of clarification on whether this list is solely limited to true freshmen or not.
Regardless, Clemson freshmen balled this season, and the future is bright for this program.
Most freshman snaps played by team in 2023📈 pic.twitter.com/LHsxB5Gayb
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 12, 2023