CHARLOTTE — Andy Burburija has only been on campus for a few weeks, but that is all he’s needed to make an impression.

The 6-foot-2, 305-pounder arrived at Clemson last month, and while he hasn’t yet attended an official practice, he did take part in some summer workouts, and defensive tackles coach Nick Eason has quickly become a big fan.

“He is extremely strong and heavy-handed. I do know that,” Eason said. “Just really tough. Not a man of many words, but you feel his presence. Andy Burburija, since he has been here, when you watch him work, you feel his presence. Truly excited about how he is going to play this year.”

Burburija spent his first two seasons playing at the JUCO level at Iowa Western Community College. In fact, he is Clemson’s first JUCO addition of the Dabo Swinney era. Last season, the defensive tackle earned first-team NJCAA All-America honors after totaling 45 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks in helping lead his team to a JUCO national championship.

With the Tigers facing some unknowns along the interior of the defensive line, the hope is Burburija can have a similar impact at Clemson. While he may not run out there first when Clemson opens the season in Baton Rouge against LSU, it’s probably safe to assume that he’ll be a part of the rotation.

Some of his teammates are just as excited about his potential as Eason. During the ACC Kickoff last week, veteran tight end Olsen Patt-Henry raved about Burburija, believing he’s going to play a major role along the Tigers’ defensive front.

“I think he’s going to have an immediate impact, and he’s going to be a great ball player for us,” Patt-Henry said. “He’s just a guy who wants to work, who understands he came from Western Iowa and is probably new to all of this. He’s excited, and I think there’s a part of him that wants to make his presence known. I think he wants to establish himself as one of the greats.”

Fellow defensive lineman Will Heldt has been just as impressed, particularly with his physical presence.

“Man, he just got here this June, so I haven’t seen him get on the field yet,” Heldt said. “I think it’s going to be fun here in a few weeks to see him get out there. But tree-trunk legs, I think that man’s going to stop the run.”

Photo courtesy of Andy Burburija