Barrett Carter is no longer with the Clemson program after a standout career, and that will be a hole the Tigers’ coaching staff has to fill.
But the players are there to do just that.
Somehow Wade Woodaz is already a senior (boy, that flew by fast), and he has had a strong career. Clemson’s defense will need him to take things up another level and will need him to take over Carter’s leadership role. Woodaz has 140 tackles (21.5 for loss), 8.5 sacks, nine pass breakups, three interceptions, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a blocked punt in his career. Those are tremendous numbers, and we can expect him to continue to add to those numbers in a big way.
Playing next to Woodaz, for the most part, will be sophomore Sammy Brown, who had a solid freshman season with 87 tackles, including 11.5 for loss, and five sacks. But if Brown can jump from solid to terrific, which he should, that can help this defense go to another level.
Jeremiah Alexander, a transfer from Alabama (yes, a transfer … does that joke ever get old?), can be a huge and versatile piece for this defense. Linebackers coach Ben Boulware has praised Alexander’s work ethic, and if that plays out on the field, that gives the Tigers a dynamic trio at the top of the position group.
Giving them some much-needed depth will be Dee Crayton, Jamal Anderson, Kobe McCloud and Drew Woodaz.
We're glad you found us -- be sure to watch on YouTube.com/ClemsonKickoff so you can share your reactions in the comments, and find us on social media @ClemsonKickoff!