It hasn’t been the season anyone in orange envisioned. Through eight games, Clemson sits at 3–5, and the defensive front, once considered one of the best in America, has yet to live up to its billing.
But for DeMonte Capehart, a sixth-year senior from Hartsville, the motivation to finish strong isn’t fading. In fact, it’s rooted in something deeper than standings or stat lines.
“We’re fighting for each other,” Capehart said this week. “It’s a brotherhood here. We’re also fighting for Clemson, because we love Clemson. That’s why we’re going to show up every week and keep fighting.”
That’s not just talk from a veteran trying to rally a locker room. Capehart’s journey through ups and downs at Clemson gives his words weight. Once a highly valued four-star recruit in the 2020 class, he’s battled injuries, limited snaps, and a crowded rotation along Clemson’s defensive line.
Now, in his sixth season, Capehart has grown into both a leader and an example of perseverance. Through eight games this year, he’s logged 16 tackles (10 solo, 6 assists), 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack, matching the productivity of some of his best seasons. For his career, he’s totaled 67 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and three sacks across 53 games.
Those aren’t the eye-popping numbers some expected from the Tigers’ interior, but Capehart isn’t focused on stats — he’s focused on accountability.
“We’ve just got to get 11 guys doing their job, and we’ll be perfect,” he said. “It’s not difficult. We’ve just got to be on the same page and not have miscues, and everything will work.”
Clemson’s defense was built on an identity of toughness and fast play under Brent Venables, but under Wes Goodwin for three years, and now in Tom Allen’s first season, the Tigers have struggled to find their identity. Missed assignments and inconsistent pressure have allowed opponents to find rhythm — a frustrating reality for a group expected to play with discipline.
Capehart knows exactly where that improvement must start.
“Just technique, fundamentals, the little things,” he said. “The little things always show up when you need them most in the big moments.”
Even through the disappointment, the veteran lineman has found lessons that go beyond football.
“How to hang tough,” he said when asked what he’s learned from this season. “Just going through this season has been tough. So just the season itself, just learning it from what we’ve been through so far.”
That toughness is what Clemson’s coaches have long praised about Capehart. Defensive tackles coach Nick Eason has repeatedly pointed to Capehart’s growth as both a player and leader — someone who embodies the standard of showing up and putting in the work every day.
Capehart carries that same respect for his teammates, especially fellow veterans Walker Parks and Tyler Venables, both cornerstones of Clemson’s identity over recent years.
“Those guys are the core of Clemson football,” Capehart said. “They’re the embodiment of showing up, going to work every day. Walker, of course, you all know — tough, never quit, never going to quit. And T-Bone [Tyler Venables], he’s a savvy guy. He knows everything, knows the game in and out. Just those two are the embodiment of Clemson football.”
With four games left in the regular season, Clemson’s postseason hopes are slim — but that doesn’t mean the Tigers have nothing left to play for. For Capehart, it’s about the name on the front of the jersey and the legacy behind it.
“Of course, we all want to win,” he said. “You want to win them all, obviously, but you can’t win them all. You strive for perfect, even though sometimes you don’t necessarily reach perfect. So just get back to it, get back to work.”
When asked what gives him confidence that Clemson can turn things around, Capehart’s answer captured the heart of the program’s culture:
“I know what we’re made of,” he said. “I know what we’ve got inside of this program. Everybody’s going to show up and do their part and take accountability for what is going on, and it’s going to get fixed.”
At a time when the Tigers are searching for answers, Capehart offers perspective. His message isn’t about chasing perfection — it’s about resilience, unity, and pride.
“We’re fighting for Clemson,” he said. “Because we love Clemson.”
And that, perhaps more than anything, is what’s left to play for.
