Dietrick Pennington appears to be making the most of his new opportunity at Clemson.

The sixth-year graduate spent his first five seasons at offensive line before moving over to defensive tackle.

Injuries, along with a suspension to Vic Burley, left the Tigers a little thin on depth at the position, and moving Pennington added another body to the room. Most assumed that is all Pennington would amount to — another body.

However, the 6-foot-5, 355-pounder is attempting to take full advantage of this new opportunity. After the Tigers lost another player at the position when Markus Strong was lost for the season in the LSU game, Pennington got some time on the field in the blowout loss in Baton Rouge.

“I am excited about him,” defensive tackles coach Nick Eason said. “Obviously, a massive individual. He is improving every day. And he is eager to learn, and he is learning fast.”

Pennington logged six snaps in the season-opening loss and registered two tackles. That is the same number of tackles Amare Adams and Andy Burburija both had, with each logging more than 40 snaps in the contest. Strong had just one in 26 snaps prior to the injury.

It was the kind of effort that could lead to Pennington seeing the field a little more during the home opener against Georgia Southern this Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

“Played six plays in the game, and it was really, really impressive,” Eason added. “You talk about earning it — what he put on tape, he earned the right to play more this week.”

After spending his first five seasons as an offensive lineman, Pennington has a rather unique perspective that not all defensive tackles have. That, along with his size, is making the transition a little smoother than some might have originally believed.

“Obviously made the transition from O-line to defensive line, but he is like an Army Swiss knife,” Eason said. “He can do a lot of different things, but I have been really impressed with him and his work ethic. His mindset, his approach to the position move. He is a team guy.”