CLEMSON – Development has a different trajectory for every player, and it was all mental for Clemson’s defensive standout Saturday.

Defensive tackle Stephiylan Green was a machine in the Orange-White Game, leading the way with four sacks and wreaked havoc in the middle. It’s a representation of his confidence, something he’s built since his redshirt last season.

“I’ve built a lot of confidence up from last year. I got here last year and I had a good spring game last year…I’ve practiced this, I know the fundamentals so I was just ready for the pressure and came out and balled,” Green said.

Speaking of confidence, head coach Dabo Swinney clearly had it in this defensive tackle room because he moved Peter Woods and Caden Story to the edge. Green is one of the players that’s allowed that move to go smoothly.

For Green, the difference had nothing to with the physical side. He said “I already had the physical attributes” but the mental side of the game took time. His redshirt season allowed for the time to build that side, and now he’s playing free on the field.

“I think it’s just the game plan. Just learning the plays, it was all about the plays from last year. I just needed to learn the plays, not having to go out there and think,” Green said.

When talking about the performance, Green was humble and quick to talk about what this defense can be in 2024. He was going down the line of players that can produce, but did make it clear that it’s his time.

“I’ve got a lot of confidence in myself now, I’m ready to play now,” Green said.

The defensive tackle rotation is a deep one for the Tigers. Green fits right in with DeMonte Capehart, Payton Page and Tre Williams. If the spring game is any indication, this could be the year Green puts it all together.