Where will Clemson Football need Peter Woods the most?

Peter Woods was quite heralded as a prospect when he verbally committed to Clemson Football. The excitement for his arrival was only amplified by strong showings in all-star games.

Despite two NFL-caliber defensive tackles starting for Clemson in 2023 (Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro), Woods climbed the depth chart and became a regular part of the Tigers’ rotation in the middle of the line.

Woods seems to be most natural at tackle, but he is very quick. This has brought comparisons to Clemson star Christian Wilkins. Wilkins played defensive end in 2016 due to need and performed quite well.

Considering the lack of experience returning at defensive end for Clemson in 2024, there was quite a bit of speculation that Woods could be utilized there. Dabo Swinney confirmed that when he announced that Woods would play defensive end in spring practice this year.

From what we understand, things went just fine for Woods this spring, but we didn’t get to see him play end in the spring game. A case of mono took him out of the lineup.

What we did see was an all-around fine performance from the defensive line. As expected, the defensive tackles played well. The Tigers also got solid play from the defensive ends as well. In addition to TJ Parker, players like AJ Hoffler, Cade Denhoff, and Jaheim Lawson made some plays.

Wise men always say to not get too carried away with what we see in a spring game, but the play from the ends does make me question how much Clemson needs to use Woods there in 2024.

Woods is probably a good end but he could be a great tackle. Wilkins was the same: he was good at end in 2016 but there was little question that his best position was tackle.

Then again, is there truly a need at either position? The Tigers are deep with talent at tackle.

If the needs aren’t great at either position, that means Wes Goodwin, Nick Eason, and Chris Rumph will have a lot of freedom to use Woods all over the place this fall. He could line up at either spot and on either side. Clemson could employ a three-man front with Woods on an end, opposite Parker, and someone like Demonte Capehart or Payton Page at nose tackle.

The options give the Tigers some strategic advantages that Goodwin should be able to utilize.

Just don’t get your heart set on safety. Wilkins didn’t get to do that until much later in his career. Woods hasn’t earned that quite yet.