5-star DL Peter Woods signs with Clemson

Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson five-star Peter Woods closed any doubt in his recruitment on Wednesday. The No. 26 overall prospect in the 2023 On3 Consensus rankings signed with Tigers as the crown jewel of the class.

Woods is the highest-ranked TIgers signee. Woods committed to Clemson back in July in what many considered a mild surprise.

The in-state powerhouse Alabama had long been the favorite. He has family ties at Alabama. He was also able to make family connections at Clemson. Clemson’s family atmosphere won over the five-star defensive lineman.

“The atmosphere at Clemson is second-to-none,” Woods told On3’s Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons. “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.”

Scouting summary: Compact defensive lineman creates disruption with first-step quickness and speed in pursuit. Smaller than most of his fellow top defensive line prospects at around 6-foot-2, 280 pounds. Highly productive and disruptive while starring for one of the more talented high school teams in the Southeast. Lines up inside and at end for Thompson High. Has some of the best play speed we’ve seen from a defensive lineman nationally. Runs like a linebacker in pursuit. Makes plays behind the line of scrimmage at a high clip. Elevated his play as a junior. Likely projects as a three-technique long-term. Lacks prototypical length for top prospects at the position.