Tag: Clemson 2023 recruiting class

Clemson led the country in snaps played by freshmen in 2023

According to PFF, Clemson had the most snaps played by freshmen this season in the country.

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.

Three Clemson defenders named 247Sports true freshman All-Americans

Clemson’s 2023 recruiting class was stacked, with three defenders earning 247Sports True Freshman All-American honors.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson coaching staff did something really, really well throughout 2022-2023. They recruited one of the best 2023 classes in all of college football, and it showed this season with the tremendous play of this freshman class. 

All over the field and on both sides of the ball, we saw true freshmen step up and play some excellent football for this program. While many wanted the Tigers to soak up talent in the portal, Swinney opted to let this freshman class prove their worth, and they did that and then some. 

Three Tigers freshmen, in particular, stood out the most. Three Clemson defenders made 247Sports’ true freshman All-America team on Tuesday.

Here is a look at each of those three and what writer Chris Hummer had to say about them.

ESPN tabs Clemson’s Peter Woods as the best freshman in the country at this skill

Peter Woods is the best freshman in the country at this skill.

The Clemson football program did a great job recruiting in the 2023 class, with defensive tackle Peter Woods as the top player in the class who is expected to make a significant impact for the Tigers as a freshman.

The No.4 overall recruit in the 2023 class and the top defender according to ESPN, Woods was a star in Clemson’s spring game and showed everyone some of what we can expect for the upcoming season. The hype around Woods is only heating up as we approach the season. 

ESPN recently released an article about college football’s best 2023 true freshmen at 39 different skills ($), with Woods being named the best at hand usage in the pass rush. Here is what writers Craig Haubert and Billy Tucker had to say about Woods. 

The top-rated defender in the 2023 class could slot into several of these categories but lands here as he makes up for any size deficiencies with quick and violent hands. Whether quickly pressing and shedding blockers to defend the run or knocking blockers’ hands down as a pass-rusher, he makes it difficult to get hands on him. This is usually one area where many top prospects need to improve upon entering college, but Woods is already strong with this skill, which should lead to an immediate impact for Clemson.

Woods has all the tools to be a star for the Tigers not only in 2023 but throughout his career with the program. Fans expect big things from the top defensive recruit in the 2023 class.

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