Knowing after last season that Clemson needed some reinforcement up front along the defensive line, Dabo Swinney went out and signed one of the best ends in the portal in Will Heldt.

Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 265 pounds, Heldt is an imposing figure. He brings not only a level of physicality to the spot opposite of T.J. Parker, but also an ability to get after the quarterback. Something that, at times, was missing a season ago.

Now that he’s been on campus for eight months, Heldt feels like he’s just another one of the guys in the locker room.

“Getting here early in January, I think, was a big part of that,” Heldt said. “Just getting to find my place on the team, just getting to know the guys a lot better, I feel super comfortable now. I 100% feel like a Clemson Tiger.”

After his arrival, there was an adjustment period. While the day-to-day campus life isn’t much different from what it was at Purdue, some things are different. Much different.

“In terms of practice, the intensity is amped up,” Heldt said. “Guys are flying around. The level of competition is a step up.”

Heldt’s arrival also coincided with the hiring of Tom Allen as the Tigers’ new defensive coordinator, and along with him came a breath of fresh air and a renewed sense of energy.

“He’s the best,” Heldt said. “Nobody is a better motivator than him. He’s a guy that you want to play for, want to get to the ball for and you just want to make plays for.”

Heldt was a menace at Purdue last season, racking up 56 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, despite facing a ton of double teams. Lining up alongside the likes of Parker, Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart likely means more one-on-one opportunities.

With that kind of talent up front, the former Boilermaker fully believes this defense should be able to go out and set the tone against any opponent on the schedule.

“It just brings a whole other level of confidence,” Heldt said. “Just stepping up to the line, knowing we have guys like that who are going to be nightmare fuel for offensive coordinators and offensive lines around the country. They can get after it, and I’m just excited to put it to the ACC this year and have some fun.”

Photo courtesy of Bart Boatwright