Opening a Can: Wade Woodaz's Ascension in Clemson's Defense
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Clemson linebacker Wade Woodaz is poised to have a larger role on the Tigers' defense in 2023. The sophomore averaged 6.5 snaps in his first 12 career games but ended his freshman campaign, logging 64 snaps in the Orange Bowl and 41 in the ACC Championship. Woodaz was the starting safety against No. 23 North Carolina in the conference championship and the primary SAM (strong-side) linebacker versus No. 6 Tennessee in the prestigious bowl game.
As he embarks on his second season, his versatility and flexibility make him a key player to watch on defense in 2023.
Woodaz is projected to play full-time at SAM, opposite preseason All-Americans Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (MIKE) and Barrett Carter (WILL), but with T.J. Dudley, the backup to Trotter, at Ole Miss after being dismissed from Clemson’s team, things have changed in the rotation. Woodaz was already crosstraining at MIKE and WILL, which typically the Tigers like to do with versatile players, but it's a necessary tactic now.
“He can play MIKE and WILL-- (he) certainly can go play nickel SAM," said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney when discussing Woodaz's expanded role now that Dudley is gone and only six scholarship linebackers remain on the roster.
"[If] somebody’s toenail falls off, it’s got to be Woodaz," Swinney added. "He’s got to be ready. If it means him bumping to WILL-- if it means Barrett moving, whatever, we’ve got to have the ability to do that. Woodaz gives us that flexibility. He's got to be the guy."
Swinney has held out a few veterans on both sides of the ball in both fall scrimmages to reduce their workload and give the younger players more time on the field. Trotter was among those who were out last Wednesday, the final scrimmage. Additionally, Trotter is nursing a hamstring injury, leading to Woodaz seeing even more time at MIKE.
"I definitely think it did," Woodaz said on whether he attributes his growth in learning the position to Trotter's absence and guidance. "Trot was there through everything. Barrett helped me a lot, too. So, if I was at MIKE, I could ask him questions when I was off the field."
Woodaz's understanding of the MIKE's responsibilities also exemplifies his football IQ. "It's not very different," he said on Tuesday as he briefly described the general duties of the position.
"It's just you fit opposite of the WILL and the MIKE takes credit for being the middle linebacker. A lot of the pressures [are] put on you because you're the main one,” Woodaz noted. “You’ve got to make the calls and set the front as well, which can be tough to learn but once you pick it up, it's pretty easy."
His commitment to improving is evident by his desire and eagerness to take on more at his position but it can literally be seen in his physical transformation as well. He entered the fall 25 pounds heavier, making him better equipped to handle the rigors of playing inside.
"I was probably 205 at the Orange Bowl," recalled the 6-foot-3, 230-pound, FL native. "I remember getting pushed around by the linemen and after the game, I told my dad, 'This ain't happening no more.'"
The time Woodaz spent in the weight room and consuming as much as 12 protein shakes a day to sculpt his body has paid off so much that senior defensive tackle Tyler Davis called him a "Greek God" at the ACC Media Kickoff in July.
When reflecting on the potential of the defense with Davis and five defenders (defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, defensive ends Xavier Thomas and Justin Mascoll, defensive backs Sheridan Jones and Jalyn Phillips) returning for an extra [Covid] year, Woodaz is confident and believes that the team's overall depth and athleticism set them up for success especially with a core that includes Thomas and preseason Jim Thorpe Watch List nominee safety Andrew Mukuba.
"We have more depth and we're extremely flexible," he said. "Everybody on our team-- on our defense is extremely athletic. You got Xavier Thomas at DE. That dude can freaking fly. Mukuba has been locked in this camp. Our three linebackers are all very dynamic and complement each other. And a lot of the young guys in the secondary have been flashing.
"I feel like we can roll anybody out there, and we'll be able to compete with anybody."
Last season, Woodaz was credited with 20 tackles (5.5 for loss), 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a blocked punt in his first collegiate game. That punt block against Georgia Tech led to a three-yard rushing touchdown by running back Will Shipley.
Woodaz has the potential to make more impressive plays in the near future, and the impact may be felt beyond the field, extending to his nickname "Woopaz" a play on words from the phrase, “Open up a can of Whoop-ass.”
The name has caught on and even earned a place on t-shirts in Tiger Town.
Woodaz humorously recalls its origin, saying, "It was actually our strength coach Duncan Hundley who coined the term. Coach Swinney said it in the spring game and he says it in every interview. I said, 'I got to make a t-shirt.'"
With an extended role at his position, a renewed sense of purpose, a body that may be a prototype, and a nickname that encapsulates his spirit-- and also landed him a NIL deal, Woodaz is set to shine and “Woopaz” all season.