Clemson Coach Delivers Strong Message to 5-Star Defender

The Clemson Tigers knew exactly what they had at defensive tackle last year, as Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart patrolled the interior for Dabo Swinney's club.

That is no longer the case.

Woods was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the NFL Draft, and Capehart went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Round 5.

Entering last season, Woods was viewed as one of the nation's best defensive tackles. Capehart flew under the radar, but he was still a stalwart for Clemson.

Well, with both veterans now gone, the Tigers are now searching for answers in the trenches. But defensive tackles coach Nick Eason has sent one strong message to his interior defenders in that regard.

“You can’t replace a Peter Woods,” Eason said, via TigerNet. “Peter Woods is himself. “I just need Amare Adams and Vic Burley and Champ Thompson and Andy Burburija and everybody else in my room to be the best version of themselves. Don’t try to be Peter Woods. Peter plays for the Kansas City Chiefs now.”

Adams seems to be the primary name to watch.

A former five-star recruit, Adams is stepping into a much larger role this fall and could ultimately serve as a breakout player for Clemson. Injuries limited him during his freshman campaign, as did the presence of both Woods and Capehart.

But the 6-foot-4, 305-pound defender seems prepared to establish himself as a key cog along the Tigers' defensive front in 2026.

“He’s got all the tangibles — height, size, all the things you want,” Eason said. “He got hurt last year and was still learning the defense. But I’m really, really proud of him. He has made a huge jump this offseason.”

Adams logged just five tackles in 10 games last season, so Clemson fans didn't really get to see him all that much. But he will certainly be much more present — and hopefully more productive — in his sophomore campaign.

“He’s got all the tangibles — height, size, all the things you want,” Eason added. “He got hurt last year and was still learning the defense. But I’m really, really proud of him. He has made a huge jump this offseason.”

We'll see if Adams can step up and fill the Peter Woods-sized hole along the Tigers' defensive line.