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Clemson Tigers Transfer Addition Has Become a 'Problem'
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- Clemson Tigers Transfer Addition Has Become a 'Problem'
(Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports)
The Clemson Tigers actually utilized the transfer portal for change over the winter, and one area in which they focused heavily was their interior defensive line.
Considering they lost Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart to the NFL as well as Stephiylan Green to LSU, that shouldn't have come as much of a surprise.
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Clemson bagged four defensive linemen in the portal: Markus Strong, Devarrick Woods, Andy Burburija and Kourtney Kelly.
Strong unfortunately suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 1, which opened the door for Woods to get some more playing time.
And he has taken advantage of it.
In fact, head coach Dabo Swinney raved about Woods heading into the Tigers' Week 3 matchup with the North Carolina Tar Heels.
"Devarrick is a guy that, if you watch the tape, he was a problem," Swinney said . "He's got really good hands — he's got violent hands. He's got good technique, and he is relentless. He's got bad intentions out there. A quiet kid, but he plays loud. He was a real spark for us."
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Woods, who transferred over from Texas State, has logged just three tackles through two games thus far in 2026, but Swinney obviously likes what he has seen. And Woods definitely appreciates the attention.
"It boosts confidence definitely, seeing all of your hard work get noticed," Woods said. "I am already a confident person, but hearing that, it just gives you more confidence."
The 6-foot-3, 285-pound defender is part of a very thin defensive tackle room that is still looking for its alpha. Former five-star prospect Amare Adams seems to have the inside track to becoming the best member of the group, but Woods could be a sleeper.
Clemson has gotten off to a rough start this season, first getting routed by LSU, 51-10, in Week 1 and then barely beating Georgia Southern last Saturday.
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Swinney appears to be on the hot seat as a result, so the squad's first ACC matchup against North Carolina this weekend carries some extra weight .
We'll see if the Tigers can emerge with a pivotal win and if Woods can ultimately play a significant role.
