CLEMSON — An injury and a couple of portal departures have totally changed the complexion of Clemson’s linebackers room heading into the Pinstripe Bowl against Penn State.

With Wade Woodaz out due to an injury, Jeremiah Alexander’s role will potentially increase, although Kobe McCloud is likely to get the start. Alexander has appeared in all 12 games this season, mostly in a reserve role, although he has two starts under his belt.

However, knowing he is likely to see the field more against the Nittany Lions won’t change how Alexander prepares for the Tigers’ season finale.

“I go into each game preparing as if I am the starter, like I am going to go out there and play 80 snaps,” Alexander said. “I would not say there is any different preparation or mindset for me going into this game because as a player, I prepare for each game the same. No matter who we’re playing or who is playing.”

With Jamal Anderson and Dee Crayton both having already announced plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on January 2, the depth behind Sammy Brown, McCloud and Alexander is also impacted, meaning the bulk of the work will fall on the shoulders of those three guys.

“I am looking forward to it, I look forward to each and every game,” Alexander said. “I love the guys that left. I wish the best for those two guys. With Wade being down, I am just ready to go out there and execute whatever the coaches ask me to do. I am just going to go out there and give my best each and every play.”

Alexander, a redshirt junior, has registered 29 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack this season in 171 snaps.

With the Tigers heading into the Pinstripe Bowl matchup riding a four-game winning streak, the former five-star recruit is just looking forward to doing what he can to help the team finish on a high note after the disappointing start to the season.

“Each and every game for me is being able to go out there, execute, and do my job,” Alexander said. “Allow my teammates to trust me, allow my coaches to trust me. I feel like there is nothing I really want to prove, just go out there with my guys and execute my plan.”