Clemson Football: Freshman linebacker earns playing time
Every year, whether it’s in the spring or during fall camp for Clemson football, fans hear new names, some surprising, that are making waves and theoretically earning playing time.
I say theoretically because for a good chunk of these players who flash in camp, that playing time disappears once the season starts, especially the bigger games of the season.
There are multiple freshmen making their mark this fall, but one name that has flashed recently is freshman linebacker Wade Woodaz, who I’m not sure many saw as a linebacker that would earn time behind Barrett Carter.
The 6’3, 215 pound Woodaz was listed as a three-star safety recruit out of Jesuit High in Tampa, the 589th ranked player overall, 51st best linebacker and 79th best player in Florida.
In other words, a recruit that most Clemson fans that follow recruiting would scoff at.
Obviously the coaches saw something in Woodaz and Clemson was his biggest offer, though he did have multiple major programs offer him despite most offers coming from lower level teams.
Defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin says Woodaz competes every day in camp and his strengths include his length and speed, along with being smart and savvy, which are obviously traits that are highly desirable in linebackers.
Clemson football defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin says freshman linebacker Wade Woodaz has earned playing time
The linebacking corps is undergoing a renaissance this season, moving to a faster and more athletic group, which could be a change for the Tiger fans who’ve gotten used to a particular type of linebacker over the last decade.
How much playing time will Woodaz see once the games count? It’s difficult to tell, especially with this being Wes Goodwin’s first year at the helm. Right now Goodwin says he feels good about it, but things could change depending on the game situation, of course.
The early schedule appears conducive to a lot of players seeing time – Georgia Tech, Furman and Louisiana Tech in 12 days – but beyond that will be the real judge of just how willing Goodwin is to throw the freshman into the fire.
Next. 5 freshmen likely to make an impact in 2022. dark
Woodaz is likely going to be pretty easy to spot on Labor Day Night as he’s wearing number 17.