Tight ends show promise and mid-year enrollees flash in annual Orange and White Game
Mid-year enrollee Peter Woods had seven tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and a blocked extra point kick in Clemson’s spring game.
Woods enrolled at Clemson in January. He’s a highly-touted pass rusher and is a candidate to contribute heavily to the Tiger defense this fall. The five-star bullied Clemson’s starting interior lineman throughout the game and blocked an extra point in the fourth quarter. Woods’ big-play ability fills an immediate need at Clemson with Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee moving on to the NFL.
New offensive coordinator Garrett Riley called plays for both teams and often showcased his quarterback-friendly offensive scheme in the first half. The team frequently pushed the ball over the middle of the field and found success passing to Clemson’s stockpile of big-body receivers.
Cade Klubnik was underwhelming for the white team but was best when passing to tight ends between the hashes. Klubnik finished the game 18-33 for 190 yards with two interceptions but showcased chemistry with tight ends Jake Briningstool and Banks Pope in the first half. The duo made seven catches for 123 yards, including multiple tough snags over the middle of the field.
Klubnik and freshman backup Christopher Vizzina combined to throw four interceptions in the game.
Mid-year enrollees Khalil Barnes and Stephiylan Green made impressive plays in the spring game. Barnes, who could see time this fall as a nickel or safety, blew up a screen play on his first defensive drive. He broke up a pass on the next drive and had a pick-six with 1:36 left in the game. Green was in the backfield often in the first half, picking up a sack and two tackles for loss. His explosiveness and ability to instantly rotate on the defensive line are notable.
The announced estimated attendance was 50,000 fans, the fifth-highest attendance in Clemson history for a spring game. The Tigers will be back in action this fall, September 4, at Duke for its season-opening game.