Clemson Football: Players who could make big comebacks in 2023

Dietrick Pennington

Pennington was a 4-star offensive line prospect in the 247Sports Composite from the Class of 2021. He played at Evangelical Christian School in Cordova, Tennessee.

Pennington was another player, like Randall, who fans heard about because of the praise Coach Swinney heaped on him in his first practices. At his size (6’-5” and 310 pounds), it was exciting to hear about an offensive lineman who was picking up the blocking scheme that early. Many offensive linemen need a couple of years to develop their strength, learn how to block, or both.

Just like the others on this list, Pennington was injured. He tore his ACL early in the 2021 season. It takes time for any player to recover from an ACL injury, but it takes larger people like linemen longer. He missed the remainder of the 2021 season and the following spring.

When Pennington participated in the big weigh-in at the beginning of fall camp, he weighed 360 pounds. Hopes that Pennington might challenge for a starting spot were dialed back as fans realized he needed more time to get back into top physical condition.

Pennington was able to play this spring and was assigned to the Orange team during the spring game. At the recent media day with Clemson press, Coach Swinney noted that Pennington had lost weight.

That is a good sign. Hopefully, he is poised to become part of the two-deep and see more field time this season.