Clemson freshman DL Peter Woods has no weaknesses

CLEMSON — Most freshmen arrive on campus with a few weaknesses as they begin their college football careers.

Whether it be getting stronger, faster or smarter, there’s usually at least one area where a player needs to improve.

However, Clemson freshman defensive lineman Peter Woods isn’t like most freshmen.

Tigers coach Dabo Swinney was asked recently if Woods has any deficiencies as he begins his college football career.

“Nope,” Swinney replied bluntly. “He ain’t got none. None.”

Sure, Woods needs to play in real games at the college level and gain some experience, but outside of that, Swinney believes that the 6-foot-2 defender is the total package.

The Clemson spring game on Saturday will be a good opportunity for Woods to get some game-like experience about 4.5 months before Clemson’s season opener.

“Other than he’s just a freshman, he doesn’t have any. Smart, tough, strong. Loves to play, high character,” Swinney said. “Doesn’t really have any deficiencies, other than he just needs to get some game experience. That’s why we need to fill this place up and let’s get Peter Woods ready to go.”

Woods signed with Clemson as a five-star recruit and the No. 19 overall player in the country, according to the On3 Industry rankings.

The Alabama native has consistently made plays this spring, already showing that he is one of the top defensive linemen on the team.

Physically, Woods is ready. He just needs to keep facing off against college offensive linemen and start playing in front of college football crowds.

“Get out here and yell at him or boo him or whatever. That’s about it. I know that’s a lot on a young kid, but he’s earned it,” Swinney said. “He’s demonstrated he can learn the playbook. He’s not a complete, finished version of himself. But as far as just a deficiency and something that he’s lacking, it’s really just game experience at this level.”

Woods has worked mostly at defensive tackle for the Tigers this spring, but he is versatile.

Clemson has more depth and experience at d-tackle than defensive end, which could lead to Woods playing outside more this fall.

Either way, he should be on the field somewhere early and often.

“He gets it fundamentally, he gets it technically, he understands,” Swinney said. “He’s got the aptitude for it. He’s gone with the 1s, 2s, 3s. He’s gone with every group. He’s played multiple spots. And he has not been overwhelmed. If we were playing today, he’d be playing. So he’s ready.”