So much for tempering expectations of Clemson’s prized prospect from the Tigers’ 2023 recruiting class.
Defensive tackles coach and former Clemson defensive lineman Nick Eason has already put the world on notice of the ceiling of freshman defensive lineman Peter Woods.
“I’m not going to crown him the best ever or the best of this or nothing because the proof’s in the pudding,” Eason said after Clemson’s spring practice on Friday. “Obviously he’s got to play this year, but I will say that he has the talent level to obviously be an All-American, one of the best that’s ever come through Clemson in that list of great defensive linemen.
"The Michael Dean Perrys and the Trevor Pryces and the Grady Jarretts and Dexter Lawrence, and the list goes on and on. When you think of great defensive linemen and tackles at Clemson, he has the tools to become that.”
Eason was quick to point out that he hasn’t played a down of college football yet, so Woods isn’t there yet. But the Alabama native has made quite the impression on a position coach who also spent a decade playing in the NFL and another eight years coaching the pros.
“Peter Woods has the twitchiness and the power and the quickness of some of the dominant NFL defensive linemen that I’ve been around,” Eason said.
Woods enrolled early to help jumpstart his collegiate career. The five-star prospect is the highest-rated recruit in Clemson’s class. He’s expected to impact the Tigers right away, despite the defensive tackle room being deep with veterans Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro back.
Still, Woods already stands out in a crowded group.
“There’s a lot of work to be put in,” Eason said. “But I can tell you this, that he’s very focused and that’s what he wants to do.”
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