Clemson defender ready for breakout year: 'He can do anything'

Clemson linebackers Barrett Carter and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. are getting most of the attention ahead of the 2023 season. The rising juniors are widely regarded as two of the top linebackers in the country and for good reason.

Trotter led Clemson with 92 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss last season, while Carter wasn’t far behind at 77 and 10.5.

There’s another Clemson linebacker who isn’t as well-known at the moment who should be soon in rising sophomore Wade Woodaz. The versatile defender has gained the trust of Dabo Swinney and the rest of the Tigers coaching staff.

“That guy, he can do anything,” Swinney said. “We’ll use him in a lot of ways. He’s our big Sam [linebacker]. But he can play Mike and Will. He gives us some depth there. And you’ll see him there. But we can also use him as a hybrid guy as we need to. He can play safety. That kid can run, man.”

Wade Woodaz was one of the most productive freshmen on the Clemson team last season, appearing in 14 games, with one start during his first year on campus.

The Tampa, Florida native finished his first season with 20 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss. Woodaz made a pair of tackles behind the line of scrimmage in the Orange Bowl against Tennessee to close out the 2022 season.

Clemson is thin at linebacker, which makes Woodaz’s versatility a huge plus. He can play all three linebacker spots, rush the passer and fill in at safety, if needed.

“He’s got ball skills. He’s got a huge football IQ. His background is a quarterback. But that kid, what he did as a freshman, it’s amazing. So he’s on his way,” Swinney said. “We’re really, really fortunate to have that group at linebacker. We’re a little top heavy there, so we’re going to have to have some kelp from Kobe [McCloud] and Dee Crayton and Jamal Anderson. They’re going to have to step up and help us out depth wise. But Woodaz, it starts with him.”

Barrett Carter sees a different vibe from Clemson offense

Speaking of Clemson linebackers, junior Barrett Carter provided media members with a vibe check of the Tigers’ new offense as fall camp is underway. Newly hired offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik will lead the charge this year as the Tigers look to defend their ACC Championship from a season ago.

Carter has had a front-row seat to Clemson’s new-look offense from facing them during spring practice and now at fall camp. He recently spoke about what separates that unit from last year’s.

“Yeah I just really feel like the camaraderie within the offense has just been second to none,” Carter said. “Especially coming in with a new OC, new quarterback I think the vibe over there has just been different and Cade has taken that role and he’s ran with it.”