CLEMSON — There is a different feeling surrounding the Clemson defense.

The fourth-ranked Tigers had all kinds of issues stopping the run a season ago, particularly over the back half of the season. Clemson ended up surrendering 4.7 yards per carry, its worst number since the 1970s.

It’s just one of many things Tom Allen was brought in to fix. While many of the players on that side of the ball are the same ones who struggled last year, Allen’s arrival has brought a change of mindset.

Players on the offensive side are seeing a more tenacious defense in practice, and the hope is that it spells trouble for opposing offenses during the upcoming season.

“I think it’s more of the aggressiveness that we have this year,” offensive lineman Elyjah Thurmon said. “It is the mindset coach Swinney instilled in the defense from the end of the season.”

It is readily apparent that many players on the defense took the offseason seriously in an effort to ensure Clemson was better on that side of the ball. Peter Woods, TJ Parker and DeMonte Capehart are just some of the guys who just look different now. At least from a physical standpoint.

Not only should that pay dividends with stamina, but it should also help when it comes to staying healthy after both Woods and Capehart missed time in 2024.

“Guys like Peter Woods and TJ, they took the offseason real serious,” Thurmon added. “It’s not just on the field but off the field with health and their weight and whatnot.”

Offensive lineman Harris Sewell is also seeing a difference, noting that players are playing more freely.

“Just speed and getting to the ball. Aggressiveness,” he said. “Just playing fast.”

After some of the results from last season, the Tigers are determined to get back to playing to the standard that is in place at Clemson, and by all accounts, the unit is showing a newfound determination to do exactly that.

“Everybody just seems to have a different hunger in their eyes when it comes to just being on the ball,” Thurmon said.