Rubbing the Rock
Fansided

Clemson Football: Freshmen who will see the field in 2023

By John Chancey

Clemson defensive lineman T.J. Parker (12) during the first practice at Clemson, S.C. Friday, August 4, 2023.
Clemson defensive lineman T.J. Parker (12) during the first practice at Clemson, S.C. Friday, August 4, 2023. /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next

Dee Crayton

  • Number: 22
  • Position: Linebacker
  • Height: 6’-2”
  • Weight: 225 pounds
  • High School: Denmark High School
  • Hometown: Alpharetta, Georgia
  • 247Sports Rating: 3-star

Clemson Football didn’t have very many surprises after spring football concluded this year. A couple of players decided to leave, but they weren’t big surprises.

Then came the dismissal and transfer of linebacker TJ Dudley, who was expected to be one of the first men off the sideline for the Tigers.

Even with Dudley, who was going into his second season in the program, there was going to be a drop-off in experience from inside starters Barrett Carter and Jeremiah Trotter. Without Dudley, things got even bleaker.

We have heard that expected SAM starter Wade Woodaz is cross-training at both MIKE and WILL in case Carter or Trotter miss time. There is also the likelihood we see the SAM come off the field in favor of a safety/nickel hybrid.

Nonetheless, there has been apprehension regarding the backups, especially freshmen like Crayton. The info that has been shared indicates the staff is happy with what they see from Crayton so far.

He was a guy I assumed would redshirt in the spring. Then when Dudley left, I moved him into the maybe category. Now that he appears to be doing well for a freshman, I tend to think the numbers suggest he will see action in more than four games.

Home/Clemson Football