Tag: Drew Woodaz

Clemson Football’s 2024 Recruiting Class

Here is a look at Clemson football’s 2024 recruiting class after adding two preferred walk-on wide receivers.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson coaching staff did a phenomenal job with their 2023 recruiting class and look to strike the same magic they did in 2023 with their 2024 class. 

The 2024 class looks great on paper, and it looks like the class wrapped things up yesterday. The Tigers added two preferred walk-ons in wide receivers Parker Fulghum and Clark Sanderson, adding depth at wide receiver behind the two studs they have already in this class. 

With these additions, we have a clean, full look at what Clemson’s 2024 recruiting class looks like as the program prepares for the 2024 season. Below is a look at each recruit in the Tigers’ 2024 class and where they are ranked in the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Updated 1/31

Clemson football 2024 early signing period tracker

Here is a full early signing period tracker for everyone who wants to keep up to date with who the newest Tigers are.

The Early National Signing Period for football is in full swing, with the Tigers putting together what looks like another excellent recruiting class for their 2024 cycle.

Players across the country are signing their letters of intent as they prepare to take the next step in their football journeys. The same goes for Clemson, with multiple top players from across the country joining the program as they look to continue to build on Clemson’s success.

Wondering who has signed with the Tigers? We’ve got you covered. Here is a full early signing day tracker to check out all 21 new signees and learn more about Clemson’s newest players.

Clemson’s 2024 recruiting class so far grouped by position

Here is a look at all 17 current Clemson commits in the 2024 class grouped by their positions.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson football program have been among the top teams recruiting in the 2024 class as the Tigers look to remain one of the elite programs in college football.

Headlined by two five-star recruits in linebacker Sammy Brown and wide receiver Bryant Wesco, the Tigers have future stars ready to make an impact for the Tigers in this class. The most recent commitment in the class came from four-star cornerback Corian Gipson, who committed to the Tigers Saturday, choosing Clemson over top competitor Texas.

Now ranked the No.6 class in On3’s 2024 industry team recruiting class rankings, the Tigers have talent committed across multiple positions of need in this class. Here is a look at all 17 recruits committed to Clemson right now grouped by their position.

LB recruit, brother of freshman Tiger: Clemson is ‘special’

Clemson has made a big impression on this talented linebacker prospect, whose older brother is a freshman on the Tigers’ football team. Jesuit High School (Tampa, Fla.) junior Drew Woodaz – a 6-foot-3, 190-pound recruit in the class of 2024 – has …

Clemson has made a big impression on this talented linebacker prospect, whose older brother is a freshman on the Tigers’ football team.

Jesuit High School (Tampa, Fla.) junior Drew Woodaz – a 6-foot-3, 190-pound recruit in the class of 2024 – has been blown away by his experiences in Tiger Town.

Drew is the younger brother of Clemson freshman linebacker Wade Woodaz, and Drew has made multiple unofficial recruiting visits to Death Valley this season. He also attended the Orange & White spring game back in April before competing at the Dabo Swinney Camp in June.

“It gets better every single time I go there,” Drew said in a recent interview with The Clemson Insider. “I mean, it’s an unreal place. It’s special. Having my brother there, it’s nice to always have someone on the inside, telling me how he feels about it, and I haven’t heard him say a single bad thing.”

Added Drew of his brother’s experience at Clemson thus far: “He loves it. I call him at least once a week and I just ask him, I’m like, ‘How is it?’ He hasn’t said a single bad thing once.”

2024 LB Drew Woodaz (left) and Clemson LB Wade Woodaz during pregame of the Tigers’ spring game Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Clemson’s Memorial Stadium. Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider

When Drew participated in the Swinney Camp this summer, he drew positive feedback about his camp performance from Clemson defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Wes Goodwin.

Drew called it “a great honor” to get a good camp review from a high-level coach like Goodwin.

“He always tells me, keep working,” Drew said. “When I went to the camp up there this summer, he said that I performed very well.”

As for what stands out most to Drew about Swinney’s program, it’s the culture that Clemson’s head coach has created and how his players are “All In.”

“The way Dabo runs things is perfect,” Drew said. “Everyone buys in. Last year, no one opted out for the bowl game unless they were injured, which shows you a lot about the program. That’s special, and I think that’s what really draws me to the program.”

Drew has collected double-digit Division I FBS offers, including ones from Power Five programs in Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Wake Forest, Louisville, Virginia Tech, Kansas, Missouri and Vanderbilt.

If Drew were to receive an offer from Clemson in the future, the chance to follow in his brother’s footsteps as a Tiger – and carve out his own legacy at the same time – would be “surreal” for him.

“I think it would be crazy, because it’s been a dream since I was a kid, and it would be surreal,” he said. “It would be fun to follow in my brother’s footsteps, but to create my own path and become my own person and just be myself and really show people what type of player I am.”

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Top prospects headed to Death Valley for Clemson-Furman game

Clemson will again play host to some top prospects for Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. game against Furman in Death Valley. Here are some of the bigger names The Clemson Insider has confirmed as planned visitors for the Clemson-Furman game. A couple of …

Clemson will again play host to some top prospects for Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. game against Furman in Death Valley.

Here are some of the bigger names The Clemson Insider has confirmed as planned visitors for the Clemson-Furman game.

A couple of headliners among the recruits expected to be in attendance are a five-star class of 2024 prospect in Jefferson (Ga.) linebacker Sammy Brown and a four-star class of 2023 prospect in Phenix City (Ala.) Central defensive end Tomarrion Parker.

Brown is the No. 1 linebacker in the 2024 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, which also tabs Parker as the No. 12 defensive lineman in the 2023 class.

Brown was contacted by multiple members of Clemson’s staff — including head coach Dabo Swinneydefensive coordinator/linebackers coach Wes Goodwin and co-defensive coordinator Mickey Conn – on Thursday, Sept. 1, when college coaches across the country could begin actively reaching out to junior prospects in the class of 2024.

“I heard from most of the defensive coaching staff, Coach Goodwin, Coach Conn, etc.,” Brown told The Clemson Insider shortly after. “I actually heard from Coach Swinney as well.”

Brown became the first prospect in the 2024 class to receive an offer from Clemson when he picked up the offer while on campus for the program’s underclassmen day on March 12. He then returned on April 6 to take in the Tigers’ final spring practice prior to their April 9 spring game, before most recently traveling back to campus for another visit during the Swinney Camp in June.

The 6-foot-2, 227-pound blue-chip recruit told TCI he is planning to visit Clemson again for its first home game of the 2022 season on Saturday, Sept. 10 vs. Furman.

“I think that we’re going to the Furman game (Saturday),” he said. “My parents went to Furman, so kinda lines up.”

As for Parker, after receiving an offer from Clemson on Aug. 11, he set up two visits to Death Valley — an unofficial visit for this Saturday and an official visit for the Syracuse game on Oct. 22.

A big-time receiver from the Garden State is slated to be on hand for Saturday’s game as well in Red Bank (N.J.) Catholic three-star Emanuel Ross, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound rising junior in the class of 2024 – who worked out at the Swinney Camp the weekend of June 10-12.

Ross certainly left Clemson impressed following his first-ever visit to the school.

“Honestly, the family environment – the school’s very family oriented,” Ross told TCI earlier this summer. “It’s not like a state college, so everything felt so close, and I just loved it.”

Among other notable recruits on Clemson’s anticipated guest list for Saturday’s game are Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit 2024 three-star linebacker Drew Woodaz, Charlotte (N.C.) Christian School 2024 RB Ryan Henley, Greenville (S.C.) 2024 WR Mac McLean, Lexington (S.C.) River Bluff 2025 QB Parker Murray and River Bluff (S.C.) 2025 K/P Tripp Bryant.

*Prospects like Chula Vista (Calif.) Mater Dei Catholic 2024 four-star cornerback Isaiah Buxton and Austin (Texas) Vandegrift 2024 offensive lineman Blake Frazier were invited to Saturday afternoon’s game but will be unable to attend.

Further updates to follow

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Versatile Sunshine State DL talks Clemson camp experience, ‘ridiculous’ facilities

Among the standout defensive lineman who had the chance to showcase their talent on the fifth and final day of the Dabo Swinney Camp on Sunday, June 12 was Peter Pesansky – a three-star rising junior from Tampa’s (Fla.) Jesuit High School. “It was …

Among the standout defensive lineman who had the chance to showcase their talent on the fifth and final day of the Dabo Swinney Camp on Sunday, June 12 was Peter Pesansky — a three-star rising junior from Tampa’s (Fla.) Jesuit High School.

“It was good,” Pesansky told The Clemson Insider. “It was a (three-day) camp, but we (Pesanksy and Drew Woodaz) were in Oklahoma the day before, so we only got the last day. For only doing a one-day camp, I feel like I did pretty well. Me and Drew, we took a visit after. We had a good time and got to meet all the coaches for the first time in person.”

What type of feedback did Pesanky get from Clemson’s coaching staff?

“They were telling me I was doing good,” he said. “They had me working inside, which I’ve been transitioning to. (Clemson defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall) just helped me and told me what to do. Going into the rep, (Coach Hall) would tell me what to do and when. That was great. It was really, really helpful.”

While Pesanksy has heard all about Clemson from his current and former teammates in Drew and Wade Woodaz, he finally had a chance to experience what the school had to offer last month.

When Pesanksy has talked to Wade in the past about heading up to Clemson, the freshman linebacker out of Jesuit High School has been at a loss for words. The elder Woodaz brother was so excited about going up to Tiger Town that it made Pesanksy want to check it out for himself.

“I think what stood out to me the most was just the facilities,” he added. “That was the best I’ve ever been at and I’ve been to a lot of schools. The facilities were ridiculous. How they treat the players and what they do for the players is amazing.”

As far as his recruitment is concerned, a lot of college coaches around the country, including those from Clemson, want to see how Pesansky performs during his junior season with some added weight.

Pesanksy, who currently holds offers from Toledo, Virginia Tech and Western Michigan, is hopeful that he can make a big jump during his junior campaign. He’ll be playing a lot more all across the defensive line, including the nose tackle and 3-Tech positions.

“I think I’ll be able to show everybody what’s up,” Pesansky said.

It’ll also be comforting for Pesansky this upcoming season, knowing that he has talented linebackers like Troy Bowles and Drew Woodaz right behind him.

“It’s great because when I’m doing a stunt or just going normally — and they have to double-team me — I know I’m not getting doubled for no reason,” he said. “I know Drew and Troy are gonna come off the edge and get the sack.”

Pesansky and the younger Woodaz brother made trips to Oklahoma, Clemson and Wake Forest. Now that it’s the dead period, he’s focused on summer workouts and putting on more muscle this summer. 

College teams are looking for Pesansky, who currently weighs around 6-foot-2, 270-pounds, to be up to or above 280 pounds once his junior season comes around. The goal for him is to actually get faster, as he puts on more muscle.

So far during Pesansky’s high school career, he’s started at every position across the defensive line. He’s a self-described versatile defensive lineman, who does his job and makes crucial plays when called upon.

— Photo for this article courtesy of Peter Pesansky.

Dear Old Clemson’s first event is July 24.  Now there is a new way to support Clemson student-athletes. Come out and meet the freshmen football players at this meet and greet autograph session. If you sign up for certain club levels you get free access to all Dear Old Clemson events. Purchase your tickets today at Dear Old Clemson.

Clemson offer would ‘seem surreal’ to younger brother of current Tiger

Among the standout linebackers who had the chance to showcase their talent on the fifth and final day of the Dabo Swinney Camp on Sunday, June 12 was Drew Woodaz – a 6-foot-3, 190-pound three-star rising junior from Tampa’s (Fla.) Jesuit High …

Among the standout linebackers who had the chance to showcase their talent on the fifth and final day of the Dabo Swinney Camp on Sunday, June 12 was Drew Woodaz — a 6-foot-3, 190-pound three-star rising junior from Tampa’s (Fla.) Jesuit High School.

“It was good,” Woodaz told The Clemson Insider regarding his Clemson camp experience. “I camped on Sunday (June 12) and I did just the one-day camp. So, the camp wasn’t that long, but it was long enough where I could show what I could do. I did pretty well if you ask me.”

What type of feedback did Woodaz receive from Wesley Goodwin?

“He offered me little tips and some things I need to work on,” Woodaz said of Clemson’s defensive coordinator/linebackers coach. “He just told me to keep working and keep grinding and I’ll be there one day.”

Woodaz, of course, is the younger brother of Clemson freshman linebacker Wade Woodaz. Drew has had the unique vantage point, where he already knew Goodwin because of his older brother. At the same time, he’s also been able to build his own relationship with Clemson’s defensive coordinator, as he’s begun to be recruited by the Tigers.

“Him and my brother are tight,” Drew said, “and now that we’re starting to build our own relationship, he’s just one of the coolest guys out there. He’s just a cool, chill, down-to-earth guy. Hopefully, we can grow in our relationship even more”

With that being said, what would earning a potential offer from Clemson mean for the younger Woodaz brother and his recruitment?

“It would mean a lot,” he said. “It’s been my dream school since I was a kid. I grew up watching their games and it would just seem surreal almost.”

While Clemson was also Wade’s dream school, Drew is his own person and has been able to formulate his own opinions about the program. He had been to Tiger Town with his brother on multiple occasions and has gotten to see from his own vantage point just what Clemson is all about.

“The program is just like a powerhouse,” he said. “The way Dabo runs things, he has it down to a T. It’s like perfectly ran. The coaches that he hires, he has a system that he goes through and there’s no doubt in the system. You can tell that it works based on the success they’ve had.”

While Drew clearly covets a potential Clemson offer, there are a lot of other Power Five programs that have recently jumped into his recruitment.

Drew earned offers from Pitt and the University of Louisville earlier this year. Last week, he added offers from the University of Oklahoma and Wake Forest.

“I picked up a couple of offers early and it kind of slowed down a little bit and now over the summer, I started to pick up a lot more And it’s starting to pick up fast,” he said. “Just gonna have another big year.”

Drew, of course, is looking to help Jesuit, which went 15-1 and won a state title in Florida’s 6A classification, repeat as state champions.

Congratulations! You did it! You graduated! Now is the time to preserve your diploma in a custom frame. Here at Clemson Variety & Frame, we build all our frames in-house – from the frame to the mats and etchings to the installation – to guarantee the quality. You worked hard for your degree. Trust us to show your diploma in the best light possible.

Swinney Camp Notebook: Day 5 observations

The Clemson Insider was back on hand for the fifth and final day of the Dabo Swinney Camp on Sunday, June 12. Here are our notes and observations from Sunday’s one and only session at Swinney Camp. While Sunday’s session wasn’t packed to the brim …

The Clemson Insider was back on hand for the fifth and final day of the Dabo Swinney Camp on Sunday, June 12. Here are our notes and observations from Sunday’s one and only session at Swinney Camp.

  • While Sunday’s session wasn’t packed to the brim with top prospects, there were definitely some notable names working out this morning that we were left impressed with, including Cummings (Burlington, N.C.) 2024 four-star athlete Jonathan Paylor.
  • While we watched Paylor work out this morning and receive the attention of Clemson wide receivers coach Tyler Grisham, we stood by his offensive coordinator, Jasmine Vinson, who made the nearly four-hour trek from Burlington this morning.
  • Even Vinson was left wowed by some of the catches his own player was making. Paylor was congratulated by Grisham multiple times for some of those acrobatic catches.
    • Paylor (5-9, 170) is a natural athlete with a track background, who plays above the rim. While he works primarily out of the slot at Cummings, according to Vinson, that’s mainly because they want to get him in space. He’s the type of receiver that can play anywhere, but you just want to get the ball in his hands.
  • Paylor isn’t necessarily expecting to be offered by Clemson, but we would be surprised if the No. 4 athlete and nation’s No. 18 overall prospect regardless of position in the class of 2024 (247Sports) didn’t at least warrant a look after today’s performance.
  • Another headliner prospect that we paid close attention to was Lipscomb Academy (Nashville, Tenn.) 2024 four-star cornerback Kaleb Beasley. As soon as he arrived on campus Sunday, he was greeted by Mike Reed.
    • Clemson’s cornerbacks coach and defensive assistant DeAndre McDaniel spent a lot of time honing in on Beasley. They paid a significant amount of attention to every detail and were very hands-on with him.
  • We would be surprised if Beasley, who currently ranks as the nation’s No. 11 cornerback in his class (247Sports Composite rankings), didn’t become the third rising junior cornerback that the Tigers offer this month, joining both Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.) four-star Asaad Brown and St. Joe’s Prep (Philadelphia, Pa.) four-star Omilio Agard.
  • The last prospect who camped today that we wanted to touch on was Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.) 2024 three-star linebacker Drew Woodaz. Drew, who is the younger brother of Clemson linebacker signee Wade Woodaz, has now been to Clemson countless times in the past year.
  • After receiving an offer from the University of Oklahoma earlier this week, the younger Woodaz brother arrived on campus today and impressed with his athleticism and range during his workout. It was clear that Drew had the attention of defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Wesley Goodwin, who served as Wade’s lead recruiter, following Brent Venables’ departure to Norman.
  • Last but certainly not least, we can tell you that Pace Academy (Atlanta, Ga.) five-star defensive lineman Hevin Brown-Shuler will be visiting campus today, but he did not work out as far as we know.