CLEMSON — Fall camp is officially underway at Clemson, as the Tigers began preparations for the 2025 season on Thursday afternoon.

Rain rolled through the area in the early afternoon, creating a hot and humid environment. Some of the newcomers adapted and excelled, while others had a tough first day.

New defensive coordinator Tom Allen was repeatedly heard on the overhead speakers saying, “Best tackling team in America. That is the expectation.” During one drill, he was barking, ” Step in the man circle.”

Newcomer Observations

– The coaches were coaching hard from the opening horn. The tone was set early, and the players responded well to it.

– While Gideon Davidson looks like he is physically ready to play right now, he was still running fifth or sixth in the rotation on the first day of camp, depending on what drill was being run. Basically, he was the last man up. However, Davidson just looks like a natural, and it’s safe to assume he doesn’t stay at the backend of the rotation for very long. He runs with a nice balance and has some shiftiness you would expect to see from a smaller type of back.

– Playing tight end at this level was always going to be a big adjustment for Ian Schieffelin, and the former basketball standout was thrown right into the fire on day one. He’s not played football since he was in the 10th grade, and there was obviously going to be some rust. He was getting coached hard as he tried to acclimate to one of the drills. Thursday was the first step in what is likely going to be a grueling process if he is going to contribute.

– We have heard about Jeremiah Alexander’s work ethic, and it was on full display. The former five-star was repping with the second group during the one drill I observed. He is explosive and he is intense. He is going to help this team this year.

– No surprise, Will Heldt was working opposite TJ Parker. Heldt moves really well for a player of his size. He has really quick hands and an explosive first step. During one of the drills, assistant Chris Rumph made him repeat a rep after he released from the blocking sled too early.

– The more I watch Tristan Smith, the more he grows on me. And I already liked him a lot. At 6-foot-5, he towers above the rest of the receivers. At the very least, he is going to be a dangerous weapon in the red zone. He looks far more comfortable than he did in the spring.

– Freshman linebacker Logan Anderson was sporting what looked like a fairly bulky brace on his surgically repaired knee (ACL). Anderson did not practice in the spring, so this was his first real taste of action. Anderson weighed 225 at the big weigh-in, which is a good starting point for him.

– Freshman Amare Adams was working with the second group alongside Stephiylan Green, and behind Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart in one of the drills. Talking about someone who shoots off the ball, Adams is that guy. The Tigers have some depth at defensive tackle, so it will be interesting to see exactly where Adams slides into the rotation, but it probably wouldn’t be safe to bet against him. He is so quick for a guy that is 6-foot-4 and well over 300 pounds.

– Freshman safety Jakarrion Kenan had some up-and-down moments. Assistant Nolan Turner absolutely chastized him after not getting one of the drills right. He moves well and seems to be very coachable, but there is going to be a big learning curve based on what was seen on Thursday.

– Freshman DT Makhi Williams-Lee also had a tough first day. He is one who didn’t enroll early, so this was his first official practice. By the end of the viewing period, it seemed the heat was starting to wear on him. Nick Eason was riding him pretty hard at times, making him repeat a rep in at least one drill.

– Freshman Ju Ju Preston is banged up, dealing with a hamstring, so he was sporting a yellow no-contact jersey. However, he is very thin and looks like he is about 165-170 pounds. A guy that will benefit from a year in the strength and conditioning program.

– Freshman OL Brayden Jacobs is a grown man already. He is 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds, but is so quick and agile for someone that size.