The Clemson Tigers continue to boost their defensive front in this year’s recruiting series. Five-star defensive tackle Peter Woods announced his commitment to Clemson and is the highest-ranked 2023 prospect for the university.
The No. 9 player in the country picked Clemson over Florida, Jackson State, and Alabama. Woods joins quarterback Christopher Vizzina as five-star athletes from Alabama to choose the Tigers over their hometown Crimson Tide.
First-year defensive line coach Nick Eason earns the nod for bringing in Woods. Eason graduated from Clemson in 2001 and played nine seasons in the NFL. If Woods signs, he would be the highest-ranked DL to sign with the Tigers since Bryan Bresee, the nation’s No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2020.
“A big part of who I am as a person and just being so close to my family and knowing that I have another family away from home. And then the Clemson staff and the Clemson players and just knowing that staff is going to do whatever it takes to make me a better man at the end of the day, regardless of how I succeed at football. That’s all you can ask for.”
-Peter Woods on why he chose Clemson
A Look at Peter Woods
Not only is Woods at No. 9 on ESPN’s Class of 2023 Top 300, but he is the best defensive end in the country. Only uncommitted outside linebacker Jaquavious Russaw ranks higher than Woods in the state of Alabama. The DE possesses a 90 scout grade.
The 6-foot-3, 270-pound prospect attends Thompson High School in Alabaster, AL. In his junior season, the Clemson commit recorded 92 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. He added 30 QB hurries and a 45-yard pick-six. Peter Woods helped lead Thompson High to their third straight 7A state championship.
In Conclusion
The addition of Woods gives Clemson their 17th total recruit and their second ESPN 300 prospect this week (No. 135 Zechariah Owens). He joins Vic Burley and Stephiylan Green as DTs to commit to the Tigers. Dabo Swinney’s program is third on 247Sport’s National recruiting list.
Clemson concluded the 2021 campaign with a 10-3 record and finished No. 14 in the final AP poll.
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