CLEMSON — Since the conclusion of the South Carolina game, the personnel on Clemson’s defense has taken a hit.

Peter Woods, T.J. Parker, Avieon Terrell and DeMonte Capehart opted out of the Pinstripe Bowl to concentrate on their preparation for the NFL Draft. When the Tigers kickoff Saturday against Penn State from Yankee Stadium, they will also be without linebacker Wade Woodaz, who dislocated his shoulder in the win over South Carolina and has since had surgery, and safety Khalil Barnes, who left the team and plans to enter the transfer portal.

That is six starters from the South Carolina game, who will not play against the Nittany Lions on Saturday. Those are some big losses to a defense that held its last four opponents to 53 points (13.3 ppg).

However, Clemson defensive end Cade Denhoff is confident the Tigers’ “next man up” mantra will have them ready against Penn State.

“We rotate so many guys during the season and so many guys play,” he said when asked about the defense following Wednesday’s practice at Columbia University in New York City. “The defense by itself has been so close and has been all year, that is just how Coach [Tom] Allen has kind of put it together.

“I think we all have a ton of trust in each other, and I am kind of excited to see guys play.”

Denhoff is also excited to see what he can do. With Parker opting out and Jahiem Lawson out for the season due to foot surgery, Denhoff will get the start at defensive end in his last game as a Clemson Tiger.

“I am excited to go get more reps, myself,” he said. “I think we have bonded really well since the end of the season and guys moving on and kind of what the roster is now. I think everybody is locked in and is ready to go.”

The Tigers will find out just how ready they are at high noon (ABC).