Swinney on Woods Playing DE at 319

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney says Peter Woods is “in a good place” with his body composition.

Woods tipped the scales at 319 pounds during Clemson’s “BIG Weigh-In” on Wednesday ahead of the first day of fall camp Thursday.

The sophomore defensive lineman said back in the spring he was shooting to get his weight down into the 290s.

“As I said, it’s about the composition. He’s really lean. He’s a freaky dude,” Swinney said during his press conference Thursday. “He’s a very lean guy. He’s leaner than guys that weigh 280 in some cases. So, just a unique human being. That’s the best way I can describe it. He can run for days.”

The Tigers are planning to deploy Woods in a versatile role on the defensive front this season. Swinney said the former five-star prospect from Alabama is “in great shape” as he prepares to play all over the defensive line and handle a big workload in 2024.

“He’s going to have to play a lot of snaps, and he’s going to play multiple positions,” Swinney said. “He’s going to play probably every position across the front. But obviously when you’re playing out at end, there’s a little bit more space involved and things like that. But he crushed every number. He’s just a big, strong kid – he looks at a weight and he gets strong. So, he’s in a good place with his body composition.”

Woods is coming off an impressive 2023 season, when he posted 27 tackles (2.5 for loss) and a forced fumble in 307 snaps over 12 games (two starts) en route to being named a freshman All-American by various outlets. He was also credited with 10 quarterback pressures, the most among Clemson defensive tackles last season.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!