The Clemson Tigers have secured their second five-star commit out of Alabama in the class of 2023, defensive lineman Peter Woods. He chose the Tigers over Alabama’s own Crimson Tide as well as two other finalists, Jackson State and Florida.
One of the Best
Woods is ranked as the No. 3 defensive lineman, No. 4 player in Alabama, and No. 23 player in the nation by 247 Sports. He is the highest-ranked national prospect from Alabama to commit to Clemson in the Dabo Swinney era.
At 6’3” 260 lbs, Woods’ raw athleticism and quick first step make him a versatile lineman with a high ceiling, according to national recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna. He doesn’t boast overwhelming size at tackle, but his run-stuffing instincts and pass rush arsenal means he can play all over the line.
“[Woods] Displays a natural ability to bend the edge and shows the ability to go speed to power.” Petagna said. “Explosive player that can be used in multiple defensive alignments and has some situational pass rushing ability off the edge.”
Here is Woods’ Hudl film, where he can be seen terrorizing offenses from all over line of scrimmage.
just two minutes of @ClemsonFB newest 5⃣⭐️commit Peter Woods mauling his competition
🎥 @Hudl pic.twitter.com/WamvDvwyN7
— Marc Whiteman (@MarcWYFFNews4) July 9, 2022
Why Clemson?
His “All In” commitment confused Alabama fans, as he’s the second five-star from the state to commit to Clemson’s class of 2023. Out of Thompson high school in Alabaster, Alabama, even Woods himself thought he was going to the Tide for a time. However, all that changed when he and his family were able to meet with coach Swinney in South Carolina.
“Dabo, to me, is a lot more understanding of teenage life,” Woods said about choosing Swinney’s Tigers over Nick Saban and the Tide. “He says all the time that he specializes in 18-to-24-year-old men, and I really believe that’s true.”
Woods was enamored by the Clemson pitch and made his commitment, unplanned, during his visit, according to Anna Adams. Woods’ father, who is a minister in Alabama, also connected with Swinney on a spiritual and educational level.
“Coach Swinney’s program is similar to how we run our program at Thompson, it’s faith-based and based off of: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,'” Woods said.
Clemson’s faith-based football education appealed to both Woods and his father because of the similarities to his family and high school culture.
What to Expect
Woods spoke about his projected role at Clemson, saying that Swinney sees him as a Christian Wilkins-type player: Someone who can find success in different spots on the line and draw constant double teams.
“I can play anywhere from a 9 to a 0-tech,” Woods said. “They plan to use me that way. I’m excited about that.”
Woods will join QB Christopher Vizzina as the second five-star Alabamian to commit to Clemson’s class of 2023. That has to be a slap-in-the-face to Nick Saban with more conference realignment looming…
