Ben Boulware says people are sleeping on this Clemson linebacker heading into the 2025 season.
Boulware, who is in his first year as the Tigers’ linebackers coach, took to social media Thursday with a strong message about Wade Woodaz.
Boulware made it clear how much he thinks of Woodaz, with Boulware listing plenty of reasons why “folks are sleeping” on the rising senior linebacker:
– A true 6’3.5
– 235 lbs.
– 34” arms
– Will run 4.5 easy
– Will jump out the gym. 35+” vertical without even warming up.
– Has played Sam, Mike & Will. So you know he has the football IQ to know all 3 positions as well as everyone else’s role. You’re not taking him off the field.
– Converted Safety so you know he has ball skills. 4 INT. 1 of which was to the crib.
– Played in 40 career games. 20+ TFL & 8 Sacks. Can easily rush the passer.
– Team leader. What he says, goes.
Boulware is clearly bullish on Woodaz and believes he’s a first-round NFL Draft pick type of talent.
“If it looks and reads like a 1st round draft pick…it’s probably a 1st round pick,” Boulware wrote. “NFL scouts know the kid is a dude. Bookmark it.”
A defensive weapon whose versatility has led to Clemson deploying him at both linebacker and safety, Woodaz enters the 2025 campaign credited with 140 tackles (21.5 for loss), 8.5 sacks, nine pass breakups, three interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown), four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a blocked punt over 39 games (18 starts) since the beginning of his college career in 2022.
Last season, despite missing a couple of games and playing alongside All-American linebacker Barrett Carter, Woodaz garnered first-team All-ACC honors from Sports Info Solutions and earned second-team all-conference recognition from Phil Steele after tallying a team-high 89 tackles (10.0 for loss), three sacks, six pass breakups, three forced fumbles and an interception in 12 games (all starts).
Woodaz became the first Clemson player credited with at least 75 tackles and at least three forced fumbles since Isaiah Simmons in 2018. Woodaz was also one of six power conference players to record double-digit tackles for loss, three or more forced fumbles and an interception in 2024.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has described Woodaz as “a baller.”
“He’s a fun guy to coach and a fun guy to watch play because he plays the way you want everybody to play,” Swinney said.