Swinney Praises Tiger Defensive Star after Standout Performance

Swinney praises Clemson defensive star after impressive opener

After an impressive performance in Clemson’s season opener, this star Tiger defender drew plenty of praise from his head coach.

Dabo Swinney spoke glowingly about stud sophomore defensive lineman Peter Woods this week following last Saturday’s game against Georgia.

“Peter, his presence was known,” Swinney said.

“I thought at times he was the best player on the field,” Swinney added. “He’s a man. That dude is a problem, just like I knew he would be.”

Indeed, Woods – who is seeing action at defensive end this year following his 2023 freshman All-American season at the defensive tackle position – made his presence felt and was a problem for the opposition during Clemson’s loss to Georgia last Saturday in Atlanta.

Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) brings down Georgia running back Branson Robinson (22) during the second quarter Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider

The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder led the Tigers defensively by posting a career-high 2.5 tackles for loss, including his first career sack, among his six tackles vs. the top-ranked Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Woods logged 43 snaps in the game – the second-most of any Clemson defensive lineman – not to mention he played on special teams as well.

“Peter Woods, he’s a great football player. I mean, he’s disruptive,” Swinney said.

“He played a lot of snaps. He starts on punt team. He can run all day. And that was, again, one of the things that I really paid attention to, is we were very well conditioned.”

The former No. 4 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class per ESPN, Woods is coming off a standout freshman campaign last year, when he posted 27 tackles (2.5 for loss) and a forced fumble in 307 snaps over 12 games en route to being named a freshman All-American by various outlets. He was also credited with 10 quarterback pressures, the most of any Clemson defensive tackle in 2023.

Woods is off to a fast start in his sophomore season, and Swinney believes a big year is in store for the former five-star prospect from Alabama.

“We’ve got a bunch of good young talent that I think is really going to come together,” Swinney said. “It’s going to be fun to watch.”

“But Peter’s on his way to having a great year,” Swinney added.

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!