CLEMSON – Clemson has proved itself to be elite in developing NFL talent, and no position may be more representative of that than defensive tackle. With that comes challenges, because the Tigers have to replace the elite talents they lose to the league.

After this season, it’s Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro that Clemson will have to overcome losing. All-ACC players, the pair have been household names for a couple years.

It’s no easy feat to recreate that production, but the early success for freshman phenom Peter Woods helps breathe in a sigh of relief. Payton Page’s flashes in 2023 also bode well for next season. Nonetheless, it’ll be a challenging proposition for 2024.

Who’s leaving

Tyler Davis (graduate)

Ruke Orhorhoro (graduate)

Who’s likely returning

Peter Woods (freshman)

Payton Page (junior)

Vic Burley (freshman)

Stephiylan Green (freshman)

Tre Williams (redshirt junior)

DeMonte Capehart (redshirt junior)

Caden Story (redshirt freshman)

2024 recruiting class

Four-star Hevin Brown-Shuler (commit)

Four-star Champ Thompson (commit)

2025 recruiting class

Five-star Elijah Grifffin (offered)

Four-star Isaiah Campbell (offered)

Four-star Christian Garrett (offered)

Four-star Amare Adams (offered)

Four-star Jourdin Crawford (offered)

Three-star Walker Mathis (offered)

Clemson will gain the talents of two four-star defensive linemen next year with Champ Thompson and Hevin Brown-Shuler, pushing more emphasis on development in 2024. With Woods likely at the helm of the unit, seeing growth out of players like Stephiylan Green will be crucial.

Pivoting to the 2025 class, the Tigers are on the prowl having offered six defensive tackles. This includes some of the most coveted recruits in the class like five-star Elijah Griffin.

You can’t just replace Davis or Orhorhoro, but Clemson will have to do its best to replicate that production with the anchors of the Tigers’ defense headed to the NFL.