Family atmosphere at Clemson sold 5-star DL Peter Woods

Alabama was considered the favorite for almost the entirety of Peter Woods‘ recruitment. The five-star from Alabaster Thompson High is a Crimson Tide legacy, an in-state product, and one of Nick Saban‘s top targets this cycle ever since he offered in March 2020.

He was considered a surefire lock for the Tide’s 2023 class. But a June official visit to Clemson turned things upside down. The Tigers gave him a lot to think about — both on and off the field. And as he prepared to walk out of Dabo Swinney‘s office to head back home, something told him he was already there.

Woods silently committed that day, and on Friday, the recruiting coup was completed as the No. 24 prospect in the On3 Consensus publicly announced for the Tigers.

“My dad went to Alabama, and Alabama was always that school for me,” Woods told On3. “And I know a lot of people at Alabama, so Alabama had a one-up on Clemson and a lot of schools early on. Clemson has always been a big part of my recruitment, though. As I got into it, I had to figure out what was most important and what I really wanted in a college. I found all of those things at Clemson.”

Family was a key factor for Peter Woods

Despite having such deep ties to Alabama, it was Clemson that gave Woods — and his family — the kind of family environment he had been looking for.

“The atmosphere at Clemson is second-to-none,” he said. “You see parents, kids, wives, and family members all around the Clemson facility. It is just a big family there. Coach Swinney is very family-oriented and I feel like that is the culture he has brought to Clemson. Everything they do is based on family.”

The program’s success on the field over the past decade speaks for itself, and it was important for Woods to find a place he could be developed as a player. But equally important was what he desired off the field.

“Clemson has everything you need to be successful,” he added. “From team sociologists to NIL buildings to P.A.W Journey (life after football program) to everything in between. Clemson has everything I am looking for on and off the field.”

Decision was not easy

Leading up to his trip to Clemson, Woods was all-in with Alabama. He had visited Tuscaloosa more than any other program, including three trips between January and April. Everything there felt comfortable to him and his family. But ultimately it was Clemson that checked all the boxes on his list.

“It was not an easy decision,” Woods said. “I was Alabama until the very moment I told Coach Swinney that I was all in. Just had to get over that hump. I had to make sure I was going to the school I chose for the right reasons, and that is why I made the decision on Clemson. I’m going to Clemson to become a better man, a better player, a better person, and I am doing what I feel is best for me.

… I want to write my own story, write my own narrative, and be who I want to be. My story is going to be written at Clemson.”