Clemson Tigers' star EDGE rusher TJ Parker gave high praise to his teammates for fighting through adversity this season and defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks in Week 14.
Despite facing adversity throughout the entire 2025 college football season, the Clemson Tigers and head coach Dabo Swinney were able to end the regular season on a high note, defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks, 28-14.
The hard-fought victory in Week 14 was a true testament to the team’s fight this year, as Clemson still managed to overcome the rough start to the season with a win over the program’s biggest rival.
When asked by reporters after the contest about the team not quitting at any point this season, junior EDGE rusher T.J. Parker responded by claiming that the Tigers are “not like other teams.”
“We’re not like other teams,” Parker stated. “We’re together. We spent all offseason together bounding [over] workouts, spending time together just chilling and vibing, and that shows on the field. We didn’t have the season we wanted, and what everyone thought [the type of season Clemson was going to have in 2025], but the chemistry we have with each other really shows on the field.”
Parker’s claims of the chemistry showing on the field came true on Saturday afternoon, as the Tigers were able to maintain a lead over the Gamecocks for the entire second half.
This was due to the efforts of both Parker and junior EDGE rusher Will Heldt, who combined for eight tackles, 5.5 tackles for losses, and 4.5 sacks in Week 14.
In addition to praising the team’s chemistry built in the offseason, Parker also told reporters on Saturday that he is super proud of his team for not quitting after a brutal start to the 2025 season.
“In times of adversity, it’d be easier for a lot of us to quit, think about ‘me, me, me’ this, or hit the portal or go to the draft...but this team dug deep, and we continued to fight," Parker said. “And I’m just super proud of this team.”
With just a bowl game left in the 2025 college football season for Clemson, all eyes will be on Parker and whether or not the junior defender will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Prior to the season, Parker was widely regarded as one of the top EDGE rushers in the upcoming class, but failed to take the next step like most scouts projected him to in 2025.
However, Parker still finished the regular season with 37 tackles and five sacks, with three of his five sacks occurring on Saturday afternoon. The talented playermaker has not indicated if he will return to the program for his senior season, so fans must watch for a decision from Parker this offseason.