CLEMSON — Clemson only signed one defensive tackle last week, and he was a big one. Literally.

Three-star Kam Cody was the only player the Tigers signed at the position. At 6-foot-2 and already weighing close to 300 pounds as a high school senior, Cody is hard to miss.

“Mount Kam, big Kam Cody,” Swinney said during his signing day press conference. “He is a grown man.”

Cody has been the anchor of the defensive line for Benedictine Military School, whose season is still ongoing. Benedictine knocked off Marist 28-20 on Friday night to secure a spot in the 4A state title game in Georgia that will be played on December 15.

Cody, who committed to the Tigers in March and plans to enroll in January, has been dominant as a senior. Heading into the state title game, he’s been credited with 73 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, seven quarterback hurries and one forced fumble.

With Clemson definitely losing DeMonte Capehart after the season and very likely losing Peter Woods, as well, it was important for the staff to hit on a player who can help set the Tigers up for the future, and Swinney believes they did just that.

“He is a grown man,” Swinney repeated. “He is a big, big get for the D-tackle room.”

Photo by Bart Boatwright