Vic Burley arrived at Clemson last year as a heralded former five-star prospect, a top-80 recruit nationally and the Georgia 5A Defensive Player of the Year. After enrolling early in January 2023, he was poised to make an impact on the Tigers’ defensive line as a true freshman.
Unfortunately, 2023 ended up being a redshirt year for Burley, as he missed all of last season with knee injuries. Then, this past spring, he was sidelined by a hamstring injury.
But now, Burley is healthy again, back on the field and beginning to show what he’s capable of. He has seen action in each of Clemson’s first two games this season, contributing a tackle vs. No. 1 Georgia before adding another tackle vs. App State.
Clemson defensive tackle Vic Burley (45) during the Tigers’ opening day of fall camp Friday, August 1, 2024. Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider
The Tigers are deep and talented at the defensive tackle position, but defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin loves what Burley brings to the table as part of the unit and believes the arrow is only pointing up for the 6-foot-4, 320-pounder.
“He’s a monster. He’s a people-mover. Really massive guy in there,” Goodwin said on Tuesday. “But he’s athletic. Basketball player in high school, so he’s got really good feet… Just really want to see him take the next step.”
Along with playing hoops, Burley helped Warner Robins High School to state football championships in his sophomore and junior seasons and a state championship berth as a senior. He played 47 career games at the prep level, producing 188 tackles and 55 tackles for loss — including 22 sacks for -111 yards — and recorded an impressive 138 quarterback hurries.
Goodwin sees plenty of potential in Burley and a bright future ahead for him at Clemson.
“He’s very knowledgeable at the position. The sky’s the limit for him,” Goodwin said. “But he’s a massive guy with really good feet and really good hands. I think going forward, he’s only going to get better and better, and people are going to really recognize his ability inside.”