Tigers Aiming to Be 'Number One' Defense in Country

Expectations for the Clemson defense are high, and that is probably putting it a little mildly.

Everyone is healthy for what feels like the first time in quite some time, and that includes Tre Williams, who played just 23 snaps while redshirting last season due to an offseason surgical procedure.

Williams has dealt with multiple injuries over the past couple of seasons and this is the first time he’s entered a fall camp feeling ready to go since his sophomore season.

“Fully healthy, 100% ready to go,” Williams said after practice on Friday. “No problems, we ready to go. This is a feeling that was foreign to me for a long time. Probably since going into my sophomore year. Honestly, I am blessed, and couldn’t be more excited.”

Despite having to replace veterans like Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro on the interior of the defensive line, Williams insists the expectations remain the same.

“No drop off,” Williams said. “I feel like we got brought here for the same reason they did. Just because they left, there should ne no drop off in the Clemson defensive tackle room. This university has a standard of defensive tackles that we undefinedgot to uphold and we don’t carry that lightly.”

In fact, the Tigers feature a lot of depth at defensive tackle, despite losing Davis and Orhorhoro. Their absence now gives players like Williams, as well as DeMonte Capehart and Payton Page a chance to shine. Add in underclassmen Vic Burley and Stephiylan Green, and that’s a lot of quality depth.

“I mean, when has a Clemson defensive tackle room not been deep,” Williams said. “Even back in 2015, 2014, 2012, all those teams. We have always been deep. This is D-Tackle U.”

It’s that depth that in part leads to the high expectations. Clemson had one of the stingier defenses in the country a season ago and heading into 2024, Williams and the rest of the Tigers are not only looking to build off of that success, but to be even better.

“Last year we finished Top 8 in total defense and that is not where we want to be,” Williams added. “We want to be the number one defense in the country. And we feel like we have all the pieces for that, regardless of who left, who is here and who is not. This team we have right here, right now, we want to be the number one defense in the country.”

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!