Clemson Football: Three sleeper players for the Tigers in 2023

Payton Page

When Page showed up for his first Big Weigh-In before the 2021 season, he checked in at 334 pounds. He is naturally a big man, but it was clear he wasn’t ready for prime time. It didn’t keep him off the field, though, and he exceeded the four-game limit for redshirting.

When Page showed up for the 2022 Big Weigh-In, he was down to 317 pounds. In 2023, he was at 308 pounds. That’s a drop of 26 pounds since he was a freshman. He has put in quite a bit of work since he arrived on campus.

He looks sleeker and stronger while still looking like the huge man that he is. He would have been a strong candidate to step into the starting line-up had either Tyler Davis or Ruke Orhorhoro not returned this season.

He might not start, but he is likely to come off the bench quickly. He also might be a key guy when the Tigers get multiple with a three-man defensive line. While Davis or Orhorhoro could hold the middle, none of the defensive tackles scream nose guard like Page. With injuries already impacting Tre Williams, Demonte Capehart, and Vic Burley, Page looks to be a key component of the defense in 2023.