Dabo Swinney addresses decision to cross-train Wade Woodaz at linebacker

Clemson is set to have one of the most dynamic linebacker corps in the ACC, and the decision to cross-train a player or two could make the unit even more dynamic in 2023.

Veterans Barrett Carter and Jeremiah Trotter return on the weak side and at middle linebacker, respectively, while strong-side ‘backer Wade Woodaz will cross-train at all three. Coach Dabo Swinney likes the additional flexibility that will provide.

“Sure, oh yeah. He’s cross-training,” Swinney said. “He can play Mike and Will. Certainly can go play nickel Sam. But he’s definitely got to be the guy. Somebody’s toenail falls off it’s got to be Woodaz, and 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.”

Woodaz played a good deal as a true freshman in 2022, recording 20 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a blocked punt and three pass breakups.

He was quite dynamic.

Clemson is hoping having him cross-train and available to play any spot will improve the overall depth and flexibility in the unit, keeping guys like Carter and Trotter fresh throughout games.

“We’re really, really fortunate because we’ve got three elite players, high level players that can, you’re not going to have a lot of dropoff,” Swinney said. “Those guys can play.”

But while Clemson will primarily cross-train Woodaz, other players further down the depth chart developing is also key.

The Tigers will need them available on special teams, if nothing else. And you never know what can happen during the course of a season as injuries arrive.

Going into 2023, though, Clemson appears to be in excellent position thanks to Carter, Trotter and Woodaz.

“That’s a really, really good situation for us as we bring Dee (Crayton) along, Kobe (McCloud),” Swinney said. “Kobe’s made a lot of progress, feel good about where he’s heading. Jamal (Anderson). So we’re bringing those guys along and then got a couple walk-on guys, (Colby) Doolittle and Fletcher Cothran that are pretty good athletes. Big, strong kids that can hopefully be those special teams bodies that we need and kind of the seventh, eighth type guy.”