Quiet Clemson Defensive Tackle Making Noise, But Will Vic Burley Return Against UNC
Clemson needed a defensive response after LSU ran for 309 yards in the season opener.
On Saturday, the Tigers held Georgia Southern to 22 rushing yards on 18 attempts, limiting the Eagles to 1.2 yards per carry and 266 total yards in a 22-7 victory.
"Well, they got better last week. I mean, it was obvious," head coach Dabo Swinney said Tuesday. "I mean, that defense played well. They played really well. I mean, really, really well. And again, I know we're playing a team that we should beat, but we're down 16-0 versus Troy last year."
The result was especially encouraging after LSU consistently found success on the ground in the opener. Clemson's offense struggled against Georgia Southern, scoring only one touchdown while settling for five field goals, but the defense kept the Eagles from creating much of anything on the ground.
Defensive end Will Heldt led the defensive line with three tackles, two sacks, and three tackles for loss. Defensive tackles, meanwhile, have yet to record a sack through the first two games.
"So, we got work to do there, but Devarrick is a guy that, if you watch the tape, he was a problem," Swinney noted.
Devarrick Woods, a 6-foot-3, 285-pound transfer from Texas State, finished with three tackles, but Swinney believes the production does not tell the entire story.
"I mean, he's got really good hands. He's got violent hands. He's got good technique, and he's relentless. He's got bad intentions out there. I like him."
Woods, who also played at Hinds Community College in Mississippi, was described by Swinney and defensive tackles coach Nick Eason during preseason camp as 'a quiet kid.'
Woods' play against Georgia Southern made a louder impression.
He is now listed as a co-starter behind Andy Burburija and Amare Adams. Burburija leads Clemson's defensive tackles with four tackles, while Champ Thompson is also listed as a co-starter behind him.
The next step for the group is finding a way to translate its improved play against the run into more consistent disruption in the passing game.
"We can definitely be better," Woods said when asked what the defensive tackles can do to affect quarterbacks more. "Like I said, I feel like we get 1% better each day, so it's gonna come together."
Woods also appreciated hearing Swinney single him out after the performance.
"It means a lot. It boosts confidence. Definitely, seeing all your hard work get noticed," he said. "I'm already a confident person, but like hearing that, it just gives you more confidence."
Another potential addition to the rotation is Vic Burley, who had his suspension for last month's arrest lifted last week. Burley was not listed on the latest depth chart, leaving his status for Saturday's matchup with North Carolina uncertain.
"He's got work to do," Swinney smiled and chuckled in response to a question about Burley's conditioning. "He's got work to do, but he's working."
Swinney also explained his decision to reinstate Burley.
"He deserved to come back," Coach said. "I mean, he was stupid, but I'm not gonna kick him off for being stupid. He's working on his MBA. He's already got his degree."
Swinney said Burley took ownership of what happened and was held accountable. He also said the senior has been dealing with other difficult circumstances away from football, adding that everyone is trying to help him work through those challenges.
Clemson (1-1) will face a tougher challenge Saturday when they host undefeated North Carolina at noon and look to build on the defensive improvement shown against Georgia Southern.
