Tag: t.j. parker

‘Who’s that?’ Clemson football star says he’s never heard of Matthew McConaughey

On the lighter side of things…

After his team’s 34-31 victory over the SMU Mustangs to win the ACC Championship, Clemson Tigers coach Dabo Swinney exclaimed: “I’m gonna meet Matthew McConaughey!”

Clemson (10-3 overall) faces the Texas Longhorns (11-2) in the first round of the College Football Playoffs Saturday at 4 p.m. ET at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The game can be seen on TNT.

McConaughey, a Texas super fan who has often been spotted at Longhorns games for many years and has been a guest on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” is a professor of practice at UT’s Moody College of Communication, the university’s website boasts.

None of that seems to have made an impression on Clemson’s T.J. Parker. The star defensive lineman, who leads the team with 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, said at the end of his media session with reporters on Tuesday that he had never heard of McConaughey.

“No, who’s that?” Parker said in response to a reporter who asked if the defensive end was a fan of McConaughey’s.

When told that McConaughey was an actor, Parker said:

“I don’t know who that is. I may know his face, but not by name. I don’t know him.”

Not everyone shares Swinney’s enthusiasm for meeting the Dazed and Confused star, it seems. Alright, alright, alright then.

Contact/Follow us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions. 

USA TODAY Sports experts’ predictions for Clemson vs. The Citadel, major Top 25 games

Here’s who USA TODAY Sports experts think will win Saturday’s game between Clemson and The Citadel, plus other Top 25 games that could impact the Tigers’ CFP chances.

After a late fourth-quarter rally to slip past the Pitt Panthers, the Clemson Tigers are taking on The Citadel in Week 13.

Clemson (8-2 overall, 7-1 conference) got a 50-yard Cade Klubnik touchdown run with 1:16 remaining, and Khalil Barnes’ game-sealing interception as time expired lifted the Tigers to a 24-20 win over Pittsburgh last Saturday at Acrisure Stadium.

Klubnik threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns to receiver Antonio Williams, who hauled in a career-high 13 catches for 149 yards. T.J. Parker tied a school record with four sacks to help keep Clemson’s slim College Football Playoff hopes alive.

Dabo Swinney’s Tigers are ranked No. 16 in this week’s US LBM Coaches Poll. In the updated CFP Rankings released Tuesday, Clemson rose three spots to No. 17. The Citadel is 5-6 and is coming off a 30-17 win at Wofford last Saturday.

On Thursday, USA TODAY Sports’ college football experts released their predictions for every Top 25 team in Week 13, including Clemson vs. The Citadel. To no surprise, the six-member panel of Dan Wolken, Paul Myerberg, Eddie Timanus, Scooby Axson, Jordan Mendoza and Erick Smith all picked the Tigers to win.

Kickoff for Clemson vs. The Citadel is set for 3:30 p.m ET at Clemson Memorial Stadium. The game can be seen on The CW. The Tigers will be wearing their iconic purple jerseys and matching pants to celebrate Military Appreciation Day.

RELATED: Complete list of experts’ bowl projections for Clemson football entering Week 13

Expert predictions: Are Miami and SMU shoo-ins for ACC title game?

Not necessarily, but the Hurricanes (9-1, 5-1) and Mustangs (9-1, 6-0) aren’t exactly closing out their respective regular seasons with a veritable Murderers’ Row of opponents.

Miami is at home this Saturday to take on Wake Forest, while SMU is in Charlottesville to take on Tony Elliott and the Virginia Cavaliers. Not surprisingly, the six USA TODAY Sports experts all favor Miami and SMU to win Saturday.

To reach the ACC title game, Clemson needs Miami to lose to either Wake Forest or Syracuse in its final two regular-season games, or for SMU to lose to both Virginia and California.

Experts’ picks for huge Week 13 Top 25 college football matchups

Three games this week feature teams that are both ranked in the Top 25 in this week’s polls. The biggest is in Columbus for the top five showdown between the No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers and No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes.

Only one of USA TODAY Sports’ experts (Mendoza) picked Indiana to win. The Hoosiers are 10-0 for the first time in school history while Ohio State is 9-1 overall and No. 2 in the CFP rankings. Kickoff for Indiana-Ohio State set for noon ET (Fox).

Another matchup pitting Top 25 teams is at Yankee Stadium, which hosts No. 6 Notre Dame (9-1) and undefeated Army (No. 17, 9-0). All members of the six-man panel picked Riley Leonard and the Irish to win. Kickoff for Army-Notre Dame is at 7 p.m. ET (NBC).

In the Big 12, No. 15 BYU (9-1) visits No. 22 Arizona State (8-2). All six members of USA TODAY Sports’ panel picked the Sun Devils to beat BYU, a week after the Cougars suffered their first loss of the season in a 17-13 home upset against the Kansas Jayhawks.

Contact/follow us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions. 

Clemson football’s offensive explosion has fueled T.J. Parker and the defense

Clemson’s defense is being fueled by the offense.

Clemson made a statement with a commanding 59-35 win over NC State, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive dominance. The Tigers took control early, jumping out to a 28-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, largely thanks to their defense creating two critical turnovers that immediately set up touchdowns for Cade Klubnik and the offense. By halftime, the Wolfpack had only managed one touchdown, and Clemson had held them to just 29 rushing yards.

T.J. Parker’s strip sack in the first quarter ignited the defense, giving Clemson the ball deep in NC State territory. Five plays later, Klubnik connected with Antonio Williams for a two-yard touchdown, further extending Clemson’s lead. Parker was thrilled with how the team clicked on both sides of the ball.

“I love seeing it go hand-in-hand,” he said. “We work hard together, and it’s great to see both the offense and defense thriving.”

According to Parker, Clemson’s defense didn’t need to rely on offensive success to stay motivated. “Even if [the offense] went three-and-out, we’re still going to have that same energy. We love playing football,” he explained.
Parker believes the improved play of Clemson’s offense has only made the defense stronger. “Iron sharpens iron,” he said. “They work hard, and it pushes us to get better too.”

The Tigers will look to keep their momentum going as they prepare to host Stanford next Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

T.J. Parker loved hearing NC State’s trash talk ‘fade away’ in beatdown win

NC State’s trash talk faded fast.

Clemson football made a statement on Saturday, dominating NC State in a 59-35 win at Death Valley. After last year’s tough loss in Raleigh, the Tigers jumped out to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, leading 59-14 by the end of the third. Although NC State added some late points against Clemson’s backups, the outcome was never in doubt.

Sophomore defensive end T.J. Parker was a standout, recording two sacks and forcing his first career fumble. Reflecting on the game, Parker shared, “They were talking trash and stuff like that. Nothing’s better than whooping up on them all game and hearing the trash talk slowly fade away.”

The defense was key in setting the tone early, with two first-quarter fumbles and a 53-yard interception return for a touchdown by freshman cornerback Ashton Hampton. “That’s how you know you got ’em,” Parker said of silencing NC State’s smack talk throughout the game.

Clemson got their revenge on Saturday.

Clemson football’s defensive player of the game after a dominant win over NC State

Clemson’s defense wasn’t perfect, but it was still a strong performance.

It wasn’t a perfect day for the Clemson defense, but the Tigers looked strong for most of the game when the starters were in with a superstar on the defensive line dominating the Tigers 59 to 35 win over NC State.

Sophomore defensive end T.J. Parker was the Tigers’ defensive player of the game on Saturday, as he looked like the best defensive player on either team. Parker was a menace in the first half, wreaking havoc and ultimately drawing a lot of attention early.

Parker ended the game with five total tackles, three of them being solo tackles. The sophomore edge rusher shined exactly where you want him to, in the pass rush. Parker recorded two sacks, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble as the Wolfpack’s offensive line had no answers for him.

Parker will look to continue his hot run in Week 5 against Stanford, and his job could be easier with Peter Woods’s possible return from injury.

https://twitter.com/NFL_DF/status/1837530634836713636

Seven Clemson Tigers make list of Top 150 college football players for 2024 season

Barrett Carter and Peter Woods were the two highest-ranked Clemson players on CBS Sports’ list, which also included T.J. Parker, Demonte Capehart, Phil Mafah, Khalil Barnes and Blake Miller.

CBS Sports unveiled its rankings of the Top 151 college football players entering the 2024 season Monday. Seven Clemson players made the list.

As with ESPN’s rankings last week, senior linebacker Barrett Carter was the Tigers’ top-ranked player at No. 24 overall. Carter ranked one spot ahead of Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison and one spot below Ole Miss receiver Tre Harris on CBS Sports’ list.

College football analyst Blake Brockermeyer said of Carter:

“A versatile three-down ‘backer who likes to play in the opponent’s backfield, Barrett is an explosive and high-ceiling talent who has enormous potential and upside as a former 5-star recruit. A converted high school safety prospect, Carter has the ability to match up vs. tight ends and backs in coverage and did not allow a touchdown last season. He missed too many tackles, 12, last season in the box and can do a better job of finishing in the run game. Cleaning that up is likely a big reason he returned for his senior season. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is gone, now it’s Carter’s turn to be the star of Clemon’s defense.”

ESPN had Carter ranked as the No. 15 overall player in college football. The Peach State native has been named to various preseason All-America teams and award watch lists, including the Butkus Award, the Bednarik Award and the Wuerffel Trophy.

In three seasons with the Tigers, Carter is credited with 170 tackles (21 for loss), nine sacks, 15 pass breakups, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 38 games.

Carter was the highest-ranked ACC player on CBS Sports’ list, which also included defensive tackle Peter Woods (No. 76 overall), defensive lineman T.J. Parker (No. 78), defensive tackle Demonte Capehart (No. 98), running back Phil Mafah (No. 109), safety Khalil Barnes (No. 116) and offensive tackle Blake Miller (No. 138).

Woods has been on various preseason All-America teams and watch lists, including the Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy.

CBS Sports ranked Colorado cornerback Travis Hunter the No. 1 overall player in the nation entering the 2024 season.

Follow us @Clemson_Wire on X and on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news, notes and commentary.

T.J. Parker tabbed as a player who will break out in 2024

T.J. Parker was great as a freshman and could be one of the best defenders in the country in 2024.

Clemson football’s 2023 class wasn’t rated as highly as some of the previous recruiting classes, but it played at an incredibly high level and proved to be one of the best in the country when the season wrapped up.

There were standout freshmen across the team, with many coming on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive end T.J. Parker, in particular, was a revelation for this Clemson defense. A four-star recruit in the 2023 class, Parker ranked as the No. 49 player and No. 6 defensive lineman in the country. He may have been a four-star, but he played like a five-star player. 

Bleacher Report recently released an article naming defensive players they believe will break out in 2024, with Parker making the list. 

Parker has the potential to be among the great Tigers defensive linemen such as Myles Murphy, Bryan Bresee, Dexter Lawrence, Da’Quan Bowers, Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, Vic Beasley and other standouts from the Swinney era.

During his first season, he was credited with 41 tackles (12.5 for loss), 5.5 sacks, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery in 13 games, breaking Murphy’s freshman school record for tackles for loss despite just three starts.

Now, he could be primed for an All-America campaign in ’24, which will put him on the level of guys like Bain and Texas’ Anthony Hill Jr. as impact playmakers from his class.

Clemson needed someone to step on the edge last season, and the freshman did it. Expectations were for Parker to be good, but his immediate impact and high level of play far exceeded those expectations.

Parker may be the most exciting player to watch on this defense next season.

Three Tigers earn Freshman All-American honors

Clemson’s freshman class was one of the best in the country in 2023.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson coaching staff did a phenomenal job recruiting their 2023 class, with multiple true freshmen having a tremendous impact on their team. 

On Tuesday, three of these Tigers were recognized by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) as they announced their 2023 Freshman All-America Team. Of the 32 members, the Tigers and Georgia led the way with three selections. 

Peter Woods was the Tigers’ top recruit in the class, and he played like it. The defensive tackle was credited with 27 tackles (2.5 for loss) and a forced fumble in 307 snaps over 12 games (two starts). He was a force inside for the Tigers. 

T.J. Parker, on the other hand, was the Tigers’ top-edge rusher this season as a true freshman. Parker was credited with 41 tackles (12.5 for loss), 5.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and a fumble recovery in 457 snaps over 13 games (three starts). His 12.5 tackles for loss in 2023 broke Clemson’s true freshman record (12.0 by Myles Murphy in 2020) and tied for the national lead among freshmen.

In the secondary, safety Khalil Barnes was a massive contributor. Barens was the first Clemson player in the Dabo Swinney era to record multiple forced fumbles and multiple interceptions in a freshman season. In 2023, he was credited with 41 tackles (5.0 for loss), six pass breakups, a team-high three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery (which he returned 42 yards for a touchdown) in 499 snaps over 13 games (seven starts). 

Below is a look at the full list of freshman All-Americans.

OFFENSE (13)

QB Noah Fifita, Arizona (5-11, 195, RFr., Huntington Beach, Calif.)
RB Jalen Buckley, Western Michigan (5-11, 210, RFr., Aurora, Ill.)
RB Makhi Hughes, Tulane (5-11, 205, RFr., Birmingham, Ala.)
WR Nic Anderson, Oklahoma (6-4, 207, RFr., Katy, Texas)
WR Pofele Ashlock, Hawaii (6-2, 175, Fr., Euless, Texas)
WR Eric Singleton Jr., Georgia Tech (5-11, 173, Fr., Douglasville, Ga.)
WR Eugene Wilson III, Florida (5-10, 170, Fr., Tampa, Fla.)
TE Arlis Boardingham, Florida (6-3, 248, RFr., Van Nuys, Calif.)
T Earnest Greene III, Georgia (6-4, 320, RFr., Los Angeles, Calif.)
T Francis Mauigoa, Miami (6-6, 330, Fr., Ili’ili, American Samoa)
G Cayden Green, Oklahoma (6-5, 316, Fr., Lee’s Summit, Mo.)
G Shadre Hurst, Tulane (6-2, 305, RFr., Cartersville, Ga.)
C Parker Brailsford, Washington (6-2, 275, Mesa, Ariz.)

DEFENSE (14)

DL Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (6-3, 270, Fr., Miami, Fla.)
DL TJ Bush, Liberty (6-2, 255, Fr., Woodridge, Va.)
DL Nate Johnson, App State (6-5, 230, Fr., Gaffney, S.C.)
DL T.J. Parker, Clemson (6-3, 255, Fr., Phenix City, Ala.)
DL Peter Woods, Clemson (6-2, 315, Fr., Alabaster, Ala.)
LB CJ Allen, Georgia (6-1, 235, Fr., Barnesville, Ga.)
LB Anthony Hill, Texas (6-3, 234, Fr., Denton, Texas)
LB Ben Roberts, Texas Tech (6-3, 230, RFr., Haslet, Texas)
LB Cade Uluave, California (6-1, 230, Fr., South Jordan, Utah)
CB D’Angelo Ponds, James Madison (5-9, 162, Fr., West Park, Fla.)
CB Raion Strader, Miami (Ohio) (6-0, 180, Fr., Pittsburgh, Pa.)
S Khalil Barnes, Clemson (6-0, 195, Fr., Athens, Ga.)
S Caleb Downs, Alabama, 6-0 (203, Fr., Hoschton, Ga.)
S Dillon Thieneman, Purdue (6-0, 205, Fr., Westfield, Ind.)

SPECIALISTS (5)

K Peyton Woodring, Georgia (5-10, 175, Fr., Lafayette, La.)
P Ryan Eckley, Michigan State (6-2, 205, RFr., Lithia, Fla.)
KR DeAndre Buchannon, Georgia Southern (5-11, 175, Fr., Atlanta, Ga.)
PR Zacharia Branch, USC (5-10, 175, Fr., Las Vegas, Nev.)
AP Kevin “KC” Concepcion, NC State (5-11, 187, Fr., Charlotte, N.C.)

Schools: Clemson 3, Georgia 3, Florida 2, Miami 2, Oklahoma 2, Tulane 2, Alabama 1, App State 1, Arizona 1, California 1, Georgia Southern 1, Georgia Tech 1, Hawaii 1, James Madison 1, Liberty 1, Miami (Ohio) 1, Michigan State 1, NC State 1, Purdue 1, Texas 1, Texas Tech 1, USC 1, Washington 1, Western Michigan 1.

Conferences: ACC 7, SEC 6, Big 12 4, Pac-12 4, Sun Belt 3, American Athletic 2, Big Ten 2, Mid-American 2, CUSA 1, Mountain West 1, Independents 0.

True Freshmen: 22; Redshirt Freshmen: 10.

Clemson star freshman makes a number change

Clemson’s star freshman, TJ Parker, is changing his number.

Clemson’s No.3 has been dawned for a long time by Xavier Thomas, whose time with the Tigers came to an end after the Tigers’ 38-35 Gator Bowl win over Kentucky.

With Thomas on his way out of the program, the No.3 will stay on the defensive line and go to another standout who is looking to build a legacy of his own in the program. Standout pass rusher TJ Parker confirmed via X (Twitter) that he is transitioning from the No.12 he wore his freshman year to No.3.

While I doubt it was the intention of the two players, it is, in a way, a passing of the torch from Thomas to Parker. In 2024, there are no doubts that Parker will be the Tigers’ top pass rusher and one of the most essential pieces of Clemson’s defense.

Two Tigers named ESPN Freshman All-Americans

Two Clemson players have been named to ESPN’s freshman All-America team.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson coaching crew nailed it with their 2023 recruiting class. They pulled in one of the top 2023 college football classes, and the results were clear this season with outstanding performances from the rookies.

From offense to defense, the new guys really shined, bringing their A-game to the field. Despite the temptation to grab experienced players from the transfer portal, Swinney stuck with his young guns, and boy, did they deliver. While the Tigers didn’t have the season they hoped for, they showed the future is bright with the talent they added to the program.

Two of these freshmen, in particular, were recognized on ESPN’s College Football 2023 Freshman All-America team. Here is a look at those two Tigers and what writer Tom Luginbill had to say about them.