Much has been made about the viability of Clemson's defensive front. While players like Amare Adams, Andy Burburija, and Champ Thompson have answered the bell, Clemson fans are eagerly waiting for Vic Burley to make an impact for the Tigers in the trenches. Although he did recover a fumble in his first game back from his suspension, Dabo Swinney has reasons for holding him out.
"We'll see," Swinney said on Burley's overall progress and impact going forward. "Obviously, got way behind from a physical conditioning standpoint while he was out. Not sure he did a whole lot." This is not what you want to hear at all. Burley had a disappointing fall camp, one where he was arrested for disorderly conduct shortly before the start of the season. He was suspended indefinitely. Now this...
There is a lot to unpack here, as it is a complicated matter for Clemson. Burley is arguably the Tigers' most talented defensive lineman. However, he has a tough history of underperforming in a Clemson uniform. With Oklahoma transfer Markus Strong out for the season after one game, Burley's return to the team was largely expedited because of that big injury. Simply, Burley just cannot be relied upon.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on senior DT Vic Burley's progress/impact going forward now that he's been back two games since his team-issued suspension: "We'll see. ... Obviously, got way behind from a physical conditioning standpoint while he was out. Not sure he did a whole lot"
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 30, 2026
Vic Burley is gradually being replaced along the Clemson defensive line
While Burley has taken ownership of his embarrassing arrest and is gradually working his way back into the Clemson defensive line rotation, we are a third of the way through the season! He may be working on his master's degree and is also engaged. However, there do seem to be some ongoing discipline concerns with Burley. This was supposed to be a big season for him, and he is blowing it.
Although the likes of Adams, Burburija, and Thompson have held their own, especially with Devarrick Woods missing time with an injury last week, this Clemson defense can only get to the peak of its powers with Burley as a vibrant part of it. Clemson has been hit or miss all season long in run defense. Tom Allen's side of the ball is rapidly improving, but Burley's lack of impact has been so frustrating.
Clearly, you can tell that Swinney has grown tired of the same old song and dance with him. When he recruited Burley out of high school, Swinney was hoping he could be the next great star along the defensive line for Clemson. He has not amounted to much over the last few years. Of course, there is still time for him to earn his stripes. However, Burley's ramp-up period should not have been this long.
Overall, somebody else on this team has to take advantage of the leadership void in some areas of this defense. Right now, Jeremiah Alexander is doing just that next to Sammy Brown at linebacker. It was not always easy for the former Alabama transfer. It took quite a while for him to finally find his footing at Clemson. While he is blossoming before our very eyes, Burley seems to be stuck in neutral.
If the idea of making a big play in the Miami game cannot get his motor running, then whatever could?
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