CLEMSON — Two games into the season, and one Clemson transfer has seen his stock rise considerably.
Defensive tackle Devarrick Woods, who was a late addition to the roster ahead of summer workouts, is now listed as a co-starter on the depth chart, along with Andy Burburija and Amare Adams.
After initially impressing Dabo Swinney during the blowout loss at LSU, Woods took another step in the 22-7 win over Georgia Southern.
“Devarrick is a guy that, if you watch the tape, he was a problem,” the head coach said. “He’s got really good hands — he’s got violent hands. He’s got good technique, and he is relentless. He’s got bad intentions out there. A quiet kid, but he plays loud. He was a real spark for us.”
Woods leads the defensive tackles with three tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss, and in much more limited action than the guys in front of him. When he’s been on the field, you see him flash, and hearing Swinney’s comments only reinforces what Woods already believed.
“It boosts confidence definitely, seeing all of your hard work get noticed,” Woods said. “I am already a confident person, but hearing that, it just gives you more confidence.”
After LSU gashed the Tigers for more than 300 rushing yards, the unit responded last week by only allowing 22 in the victory over the Eagles. Woods expects the group to continue to improve the rest of the way.
“Week one was a struggle,” Woods said. “But we have been working. I feel like I am very confident in what we got going. That showed last Saturday. And we are going to keep getting better. One percent better every day.”
And you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who appreciates the opportunity he has more than Woods. After beginning his college career playing for Hinds Community College in Mississippi at the JUCO level, Woods transferred to Texas State for the 2025 campaign.
Now that he is at a program like Clemson, Woods wants to take full advantage in his final season of eligibility.
“I definitely appreciate it because my journey has been different,” Woods said. “Mississippi. Very hot. Wasn’t a big school. Junior college. So yeah, being here is crazy to me. I appreciate it.”
“I never knew it was anything like this. Just a complete difference. It is crazy seeing it each and every day. I still have not soaked it in all the way.”
