Talking Tigers: Tyler Brown and T.J. Parker

Tomarrion (T.J.) Parker

Playing a role early on the defense: “I knew the situation coming in, but in my mind, I’m just here to contribute to the team however I can. My role wasn't coming in “Oh, I'm gonna be a starter” - it was never that. My initial thought is that if coach wants me to play, I'm going to keep working to play. However that goes. It's my freshman year, so I'm trying to enjoy it, work hard, and contribute however I can, whether that's defense or special teams.”

Adapting to Clemson: "During this offseason, I keyed into the playbook and walked through the plays, which allowed me to slow the game down," Parker said. "I can just go out there and play now. Everything became much slower."

On Peter Woods‍: "Everything everybody advertised him as, he's been doing since high school," Parker said. "He's gotten even stronger than when he got here. Four hundred seventy-five pounds (bench press) is a great estimate, but I think it's more. I think I've seen him bench more than that."

Tyler Brown‍:

On his first game as a Tiger: “It’s a great group of guys in general. The leaders, they lead. They lead, for sure. Anyone can lead on this team. We have players that don't even get in, like Clay Swinney, Jackson Crosby, Zach Jackson - those guys in my wide receiver room - are probably the best guys I've ever met. They're so welcoming and open to helping me and not just being selfish, and I love that about this team. Everyone's like that here, and it's just a great environment.”

Being reunited with high school teammates at Clemson: "Even back in Greenville, bro, we were always workaholics," Brown said. "I've actually adapted my work ethic from Josh Sapp‍. I came to Greenville in 11th grade, and he was a senior - and just the way he worked day in and day out really helped me with where I am today." 

Looking ahead to his first home game in Death Valley: "I've been a Clemson fan my whole life," Brown said. "I believe I'm ready for that hill."