CLEMSON — In the last few days, the realization of his Clemson football career coming to an end has hit senior linebacker Wade Woodaz.

He’s begun to take in the magnitude of what his time in orange has meant.

“Perspective and then gratitude,” he said. “I’ve dreamt of being here since I was a kid. I have a picture of me from when I was like six years old and standing by the rock, and now I’m here.” 

Woodaz has been a constant for the Tigers on defense since his freshman season, appearing in 14 games that year.

As he enters his final stretch in Death Valley, he finds himself reflecting not on missed opportunities or what could have been. But, on how fortunate he’s been to live out his dream.

This season hasn’t gone exactly how he envisioned, but Woodaz knows he’s done everything he could to help his team succeed. Sometimes, the effort you put in doesn’t align with the results you get.

“I’ve poured everything I had into this season, into the offseason, into getting to where we want to go,” he said.

Even with the challenges this year, his perspective remains grounded in gratitude.

“How many people would love to be standing at this stand right now giving an interview representing Clemson?” he said.

The realization of how little time remains has hit him hard.

“I have five weeks left here,” Woodaz said. “I have five weeks left of my brother being my neighbor living across the street. I have five weeks left of having roommates and dancing in the locker room after practice.”

Now, Woodaz is focused on appreciating every moment and leaving everything he has on the field.

“No regret,” he said.

Even though losing isn’t easy, he hasn’t lost sight of why he plays the game.

“I love football,” he said.

In practice, the team doesn’t dwell on losses — they just play and love the game.

Again, Woodaz expressed gratitude. He knows he is so lucky to be playing football in college.

“So many people would love to be playing college football,” he said.

But for him, the experience means even more because of where he gets to do it.

“I get to do it in a place like Clemson,” he said. “I get to play in Death Valley on Saturday.”

Woodaz and the Tigers (3-4, 2-3 ACC) return to Death Valley for Saturday’s game against Duke (4-3, 3-1) — one of Clemson’s three remaining home games in 2025. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. on ACC Network.