Clemson Football Kicks Off 2025 Spring Practice with Energy and New Faces
Clemson, SC – On Friday, February 28, 2025, the Clemson Tigers football team took to the practice fields behind the Allen Reeves Football Complex to begin their spring practice schedule, marking the official start of preparations for the 2025 season. With the sounds of Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back in Town” echoing through the air—an unofficial anthem for Clemson’s first practices—the Tigers hit the ground running under the watchful eyes of head coach Dabo Swinney and a revamped coaching staff. The media was granted access to the first seven periods of practice, offering a glimpse into the team’s energy, new additions, and key storylines. Here’s a summary of the day’s events, including insights from coaches and players.
A Fresh Start with High Intensity
The first day of spring practice brought a palpable sense of renewal to the program. After a 2024 season that saw Clemson reclaim the ACC title with a dramatic walk-off field goal and secure a berth in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, the Tigers are eager to build on that momentum. Returning eight offensive starters and seven defensive starters, the team is blending veteran leadership with an influx of fresh talent, including midyear enrollees from the heralded 2025 recruiting class.
Head coach Dabo Swinney, now in his 18th season at the helm, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. “The first day of spring practice is always a fun day,” Swinney said in a post-practice interview. “It’s a building block for the fall. You get to see the bulk of your team out there, and it’s exciting to see how these guys come together.” Swinney emphasized the importance of spring as a time to refine technique and establish habits, noting, “Spring is huge for creating game-day habits. You don’t create those on game day.”
The practice itself reflected a new intensity, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. New defensive coordinator Tom Allen, equipped with a microphone, barked instructions across the field, overseeing every unit while allowing his position coaches to take the lead. Linebacker Wade Woodaz, a returning standout, was glowing in his praise for Allen and new linebackers coach Ben Boulware. “I love it. The intensity is what I’ve dreamed of,” Woodaz said, still catching his breath after practice. “Coach Allen fires me up—just listening to him come into a room makes me want to punch a wall. And then having Ben, who’s relatable because he’s only 30 and has been here, done it all—it’s awesome.”
Boulware, a former Clemson star himself, wasted no time making his presence felt. Observers noted his in-your-face style, with one memorable moment coming when he told his linebackers to “run, not this weak-ass little jog” during drills. His hands-on approach extended to coaching transfer linebacker Jeremiah Alexander, a lean and agile addition from Alabama who impressed with his movement on day one.
Standout Performances and New Faces
On the offensive side, quarterback Cade Klubnik, entering his third year under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, led the first-team unit with confidence. The two-time ACC Championship Game MVP is coming off a prolific 2024 season, where he accounted for 43 combined passing and rushing touchdowns. During team drills, Klubnik was flanked by a familiar offensive line: Blake Miller at right tackle, Marcus Tate at right guard, Ryan Linthicum at center, Collin Sadler at left guard, and Tristan Leigh at left tackle. Tight end Jake Briningstool and running back Phil Mafah rounded out the starting group, while wide receivers Antonio Williams, Troy Stellato, and Adam Randall worked the field, slot, and boundary positions, respectively.
The battle for the starting center spot remains a key storyline, with Linthicum holding the edge but facing stiff competition from Harris Sewell and Trent Howard. New offensive line coach Matt Luke was seen pulling aside players like Ian Reed during drills, emphasizing technique and muscle memory—a sign of his meticulous approach that has already earned praise from Swinney.
Among the newcomers, midyear enrollee wide receiver Tristan Smith, a transfer from LaGrange, Ga., caught attention with his 6’5” frame. While not the burner that freshmen T.J. Moore and Bryant Wesco are, Smith’s size suggests he could be a red-zone weapon for Klubnik. Meanwhile, freshman linebacker Sammy Brown worked with the second-team defense at the MIKE position, a promising sign for the former five-star recruit.
Defensive lineman Peter Woods also stood out, looking leaner and quicker than last season. Swinney has previously called Woods potentially the fastest defensive lineman in program history, and his performance on day one reinforced that hype. Transfer linebacker Jeremiah Alexander, listed at 240 pounds, surprised onlookers with his lean build and agility, hinting at his potential as a versatile piece in Allen’s defensive puzzle.
Observations and Adjustments
The practice wasn’t without its challenges. The coaching staff frequently urged players to “slow down” and operate at “30 percent” during early periods, a sign of the team’s eagerness to hit the ground running after a long offseason. Punter Jack Smith, competing with Aidan Swanson, showed improvement after a shaky start, while junior walk-on Will McCune, a transfer from Charleston Southern, had a solid day.
Injuries also loomed as a subplot. Swinney noted several players would miss spring, though he didn’t mention left tackle Tristan Leigh, who was spotted in a yellow non-contact jersey. The focus, however, remained on development, with Swinney stressing versatility—particularly at the nickel position—and giving reps to players who need them most in the upcoming spring game.
Looking Ahead
As the Tigers push through their 15 spring practices, culminating in the annual spring game (date TBD, though likely April 12 or 19 based on past schedules), the energy around the program is undeniable. Swinney reiterated his philosophy: “To be consistently good, you have to love the process—not just game day or the result.” With a reloaded roster, a dynamic coaching staff, and a clear hunger to return to national prominence, Clemson’s first day of spring practice set an optimistic tone for what’s to come in 2025.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Tigers continue their spring journey, with the media set to observe additional practices on Monday, March 3, and Wednesday, March 5. For now, the boys are indeed back in town—and they mean business.
