When Clemson landed Vic Burley in the 2023 class, it was seen as a huge recruiting win.

Burley was a five-star at one service, a consensus Top 100 prospect. During his final high school season, he earned 5A Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Burley was also an early enrollee and, with those credentials, expected to make an immediate impact.

However, things don’t always go according to plan. Injuries hampered Burley during his debut season, and he would ultimately redshirt. Last season, it was much of the same, with Burley logging just 92 snaps.

Heading into his third season with the program, not only is Burley now fully healthy, but he’s also earning the trust of the coaching staff. The 6-foot-4, 320-pound defensive tackle made huge strides in the spring and has continued that upward trajectory throughout fall camp.

“He’s had a good camp. He has earned the right to play,” head coach Dabo Swinney said after the Tigers’ scrimmaged on Thursday. “Last year, we wouldn’t put him in there, but he has earned the right to go play at this point. Proud of Burley.”

Burley’s high school pedigree was impressive. He helped guide Warner Robins to state titles during his sophomore and junior seasons and then played for a third as a senior. In 47 career games at the prep level, he recorded 188 tackles, 55 tackles for loss and 22 sacks for -111 yards. He also had an impressive 138 quarterback hurries.

With Burley now looking like he is ready to contribute, that gives the Tigers more depth along the interior of the defensive line. Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart lead the charge, and Stephiylan Green has already proven his worth after being named a freshman All-American last season by The Athletic. Hevin Brown-Shuler and true freshman Amare Adams are also in the mix, meaning Clemson could potentially go six deep at tackle.

“Stephiylan is a problem,” Swinney said. “He is a good football player. Him and Capehart and Peter, if those guys are available every game, they will have a good season. It is important to them. They are well-coached, tough, and they will do what they need to do to be productive.”

Photo by Bart Boatwright