A number of former Clemson standouts are hoping to hear their names called and see their dreams come true during this year’s NFL Draft.
Some of Clemson’s NFL hopefuls drew plenty of praise from their former Tiger teammates leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft (April 24-26, Green Bay, Wisconsin).
Check out what Clemson linebacker Wade Woodaz, running back Adam Randall, safety Khalil Barnes and tight end Olsen Patt-Henry had to say about a quartet of Clemson draft prospects in linebacker Barrett Carter, running back Phil Mafah, safety R.J. Mickens and tight end Jake Briningstool:
Wade Woodaz on Barrett Carter
“Barrett’s fast, athletic, agile, physical. His sophomore year against Louisville, he jumped over a grown man and then landed on his feet and then chased another grown man down. That ain’t something you see every day. Barrett’s one of the most humble human beings I’ve ever met. He leads with love, and you can see it and you can feel it, and you can see his heart by the way he leads people.
“Barrett, we’ve been talking about this for a while now. I remember coming in as a young freshman, you took me under your wing. I appreciate that. I love you, bro.”
Adam Randall on Phil Mafah
“Describing Phil as a player, I would say he’s a warrior. I mean, he’s powerful, big, strong and fast. He just brings an aspect to the running back position that everybody wants. Phil is a highlight reel waiting to happen. He’s always going to brighten the room with his smile. He’s always going to bring positive energy.
“Phil, man, I know you’re going to do great things in life and football, you’re going to have a great career in the NFL and you’re going to excel. With whatever you do, I just want you to go out there and crush it like you always do and just keep running through people like you always do.”
Khalil Barnes on RJ Mickens
“R.J. as a player, he’s a savvy guy. He takes his film really seriously. He truly is one of those people who can see a play happening before it happens. Really quick, really twitchy guy. He’s long, he’s fast and he’s a really good tackler in a game today that’s played in a lot of space. I think his impact on me, more than anything, was just showing me how to lead. He earned everything, and now he’s going to have the opportunity to play at the next level.
“R.J., I want to say I’m proud of you for real. I can confidently say that you made me personally better, on the field as a football player but also a better man for the people in my life. I thank you for laying the foundation for me and how to be a pro even before getting there. I know you’re going to excel wherever you end up. Again, I’m proud of you, I love you, and free 9.”
Olsen Patt-Henry on Jake Briningstool
“Jake Briningstool is very confident. He’s versatile. I think what makes him Jake is just the ability of what he does on and off the field carries to his swagger on the field. It’s not only about him. He’s a team player. He likes to be around winners.
“Jake, I appreciate you. You’re one of the best to do what you do. You’re going to be great wherever you land at. Just keep your head down, keep God first and just do what you do best – be Jake Briningstool.”
The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off at 8 p.m. Thursday, followed by Rounds 2-3 at 7 p.m. Friday and Rounds 4-7 at noon Saturday.
The NFL Draft will be televised nationally by NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, and can be heard nationwide on Westwood One Radio, SiriusXM NFL Radio and ESPN Radio.