Transfer Focused on Work, Chemistry in Clemson Defensive Line

Andy Burburija knew his arrival at Clemson would come with an adjustment. Moving from the junior college level into a Power Four program meant bigger bodies, faster practices, and little time to ease into his new surroundings.

The 6-foot-2, 305-pound junior defensive tackle also understood something else: First impressions matter.

Speaking with the media for the first time since joining the program this summer from Iowa Western Community College, Burburija described an introduction that immediately tested him. 

"I mean, the first couple of weeks, they threw me right in there with the wolves, and it was grueling for sure," Burburija said. "You know, doubts start creeping in, but then you kind of get in the zone, get acclimated with other players around you. It's a brotherhood here."

Getting comfortable did not mean Burburija could afford to relax. He wanted his new teammates and coaches to see what he could bring to the program from the beginning.

"But it was a tough process, and I need to make sure, like, first impression always matters," Burburija said. "So, I wanted to keep a good impression and work my tail off."

Testing himself against Power Four competition

Burburija's transition has included learning how his game measures up against Clemson's offensive linemen each day.

The increase in competition is something the 2025 first-team NJCAA All-American expected, and rather than shy away from it, Burburija has viewed the challenge as an opportunity to find out where he stands.

"I think being realistic, but also like having a good mindset," Burburija said. "You're going against some of the best of the best, and it's also good to test yourself out a little bit, see how good you compare to other guys."

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Fellow defensive tackle transfer Markus Strong pointed to Burburija's ability to establish leverage at the line of scrimmage.

"If he gets a solid get-off, I feel he's unmovable, in my opinion," Strong said. "So, if he comes on firm with anybody, it's gonna be a tough matchup for you."

Part of that strength is easy to spot. Burburija's powerful lower body stands out even in a room filled with defensive tackles.

Strong has a nickname for Burburija's legs, or at least one he was willing to share publicly.

"He got tree trunks," Strong said. "I'm not gonna say what I normally call them, but yeah, he got some legs."

A defensive line with something to prove

Burburija joined a Clemson defensive front undergoing significant change following a 7-6 season. Peter Woods and Demonte Capehart departed for the NFL, and Stephiylan Green transferred to LSU, leaving the Tigers searching for a new combination in the interior.

The coaching staff responded by adding experience through the transfer portal, including Burburija and Strong, to a group that also features returning tackles Vic Burley, Champ Thompson, and Amare Adams. 

Questions surrounding Clemson entering the season extend across the roster, with quarterback, linebacker, and both lines among the areas being scrutinized outside the program.

Burburija, who had 45 tackles (18.5 for loss) and 11.0 sacks for the Reivers as a sophomore, cannot speak to what happened along the Tigers' defensive front last season. What he can speak to is the group he sees working every day now.

"I wasn't obviously here last year, but my main goal is to get the guys together, work together," Burburija said. "Everybody's doing their job too. Like everyone's main focus is that we have good chemistry and we have a good group, regardless of what anyone else says."

That approach mirrors the one Burburija took when he first arrived: put his head down, earn respect and let the work determine what comes next.

"Trying to work, grind, keep our heads down," Burburija said, "and show up on game day."