We know the college football season is rapidly approaching with media days currently taking place. Before taking the stage in Charlotte for the ACC Football Kickoff, Clemson had its own media day. During the event, we got to hear from every coach in the building. This included each of the position coaches as well.
There aren’t many opportunities to hear from the coaches who interact the most with the individual players day-to-day. One position group for the Tigers that has a ton of question marks surrounding it are the defensive tackles. The position group’s coach, Nick Eason, gave the media some insight on where the room is at right now.
After losing both starters to the NFL this offseason, it's hard to predict how well the group will perform in 2026. There is a ton of talent in the room, but they’re all unproven.
Amare Adams and Vic Burley
Two interior defensive linemen returning for Clemson that are predicted to continue the trend of dominance at the position are Amare Adams and Vic Burley.
Adams will be in his second year, and coming off an injury that kept him sidelined much of the end of last season. Eason described Adams as “a highly talented player with all the tangibles.” Adams has the ideal size, power, and agility every coach is looking for in a defensive tackle. His position coach says he’s made a huge jump this offseason, especially in how he attacked the weight room.
Eason stated to the media that he is really excited to watch Adams show the jump he’s made for his second year. He feels similarly about Burley who will be entering his fourth year. Eason believes the biggest thing for Burley is to stay healthy, because he’s got all the tools to be a dominant player.
Transfer players
During his availability, Eason also was asked about the transfers that were brought in at the position. He says they have all been great, and the right fit for the program.
Eason seems particularly excited about the potential of Andy Burburija, from JUCO Iowa Western. When asked about him Eason exclaimed, “He is extremely strong and heavy handed.” He went on to express his excitement to coach Burburija and claimed that people will be shocked by the impact he will make this season.
Confidence in the group
For a group that has so many question marks, Eason seems to be very confident in the ability for this group to make an impact. He knows he can’t just replace the talent of a Peter Woods, but he believes the current players being the best version of themselves will be enough.
Eason made the point, “We have a group of men that are going to work together and they’re going to play together. And they’ll do whatever it takes to get us back to the top.” That is the attitude that is needed in the building. Being prepared to fight to get this program back to its championship status.
Eason is taking complete ownership of this group, knowing the lack of experience is something they can only overcome if he pushes them to be better. Once they gain that experience, guys like Adams can step more into the leadership role. That will lead to the standard of what it means to be a defensive tackle for the Tigers being re-established.
Until then, Eason just wants one thing from his group stating, “This ‘26 for defensive tackles we not going to say nothing, we just going to work. And put our head down, just show up everyday and just put in the work. And don’t get outworked by anybody.”
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