Clemson Football Spring Practices 2025: A Midpoint Synopsis
As Clemson football reaches the halfway mark of its 2025 spring practices, which kicked off on February 28 behind the Allen Reeves Football Complex, the Tigers are laying the groundwork for what they hope will be a return to national prominence in the upcoming season. With 15 practices scheduled—culminating in the annual Orange and White spring game, likely on April 12 or 19—the team is blending veteran leadership with an infusion of youthful talent under head coach Dabo Swinney. Here’s a look at how spring has unfolded so far, featuring insights from coaches and players, with a spotlight on standout incoming freshmen and underclassmen.
Energy and Intensity Define the Early Going
From day one, the Tigers have brought a palpable energy to the practice fields. The soundtrack of Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back in Town” set the tone on February 28, and Swinney has been pleased with the team’s early intensity. “To be consistently good, you have to love the process—not just game day or the result,” Swinney said after the first practice, emphasizing the mindset he wants to instill. That process-driven approach has been amplified by new defensive coordinator Tom Allen, whose voice booms across the field with instructions like, “Kill the motor by lassoing his legs!”—a focus on tackling technique that’s already resonating.
Linebacker Wade Woodaz, a junior and returning standout, has embraced the shift. “I love it. The intensity is what I’ve dreamed of,” Woodaz said post-practice on February 28, still catching his breath. “Coach Allen fires me up—just listening to him come into a room makes me want to punch a wall.” Allen’s hands-on style, paired with new linebackers coach Ben Boulware’s fiery presence—“Run, not this weak-ass little jog,” he barked during drills—has injected a new vigor into the defense, which struggled with run fits and tackling in 2024.
Offensive Line: A Work in Progress
Offensively, the spotlight has been on the offensive line, where new coach Matt Luke is making his mark. Luke’s meticulous approach was evident early, as he pulled players like sophomore Ian Reed aside during drills to refine technique. “He doesn’t just run us through drills; he makes sure we understand why,” center Ryan Linthicum said after a March 3 session. Linthicum, a redshirt sophomore, holds a slight edge in the battle for the starting center spot, but he’s facing competition from Harris Sewell and Trent Howard. Sewell, a redshirt freshman, has impressed with his work ethic, spending extra time with Luke to perfect his positioning.
Up front, junior Blake Miller continues to anchor the right tackle position, showing versatility by cross-training at guard. “We want guys who can move around,” Swinney noted on March 14, praising Miller’s 2,893 career snaps. Freshman Brayden Jacobs, an early enrollee, has also turned heads at left tackle behind Mason Wade. “He simply looks the part,” one observer noted, hinting at his potential to contribute sooner rather than later.
Quarterback Room: Klubnik Leads, Youngsters Push
Junior quarterback Cade Klubnik, fresh off leading Clemson to an ACC title in 2024, has looked sharp and confident. “His deep ball is on point, and he’s owning the offense,” Swinney said after a March 12 scrimmage. Behind him, the backup battle is heating up. Redshirt freshman Christopher Vizzina, a former top-50 recruit, is showing steady improvement, though his accuracy remains a work in progress. “He’s got the arm and the speed, but he’s still finding his rhythm,” offensive coordinator Garrett Riley commented.
Freshman Chris Denson, a midyear enrollee from Plant City, Florida, has flashed athleticism with his dual-threat ability—highlighted by his high school state playoff stat line of 235 rushing yards and 202 passing yards. “He’s raw, but the tools are there,” Riley said. “Spring’s about getting him reps to refine that accuracy.” Denson’s early glimpses suggest he could push for the No. 2 spot by 2026.
Standout Freshmen and Underclassmen
Several newcomers and underclassmen are making waves. Freshman running back Gideon Davidson, labeled by Swinney as “the best high school running back in the country last year,” has lived up to the hype. After posting a 40-inch vertical leap, Davidson’s burst and vision have stood out. “Everybody’s going to know more about him after a few practices,” Swinney predicted on February 28, and early returns suggest he could spell redshirt sophomore David Eziomume in the backfield.
On defense, freshman linebacker Sammy Brown, a former five-star recruit, is already working with the second-team unit at MIKE. “He’s picking things up fast,” Boulware said. “His instincts are special.” Brown’s physicality has been a welcome addition as Clemson looks to replace R.J. Mickens at safety and bolster its linebacker depth.
Transfer defensive end Will Heldt, a midyear enrollee, has brought strength to the edge. “He’s a powerhouse,” defensive line coach Nick Eason noted, while junior Peter Woods—looking leaner and quicker than in 2024—continues to shine. “Peter’s moving better than ever,” Eason said after a March 5 practice. Transfer linebacker Jeremiah Alexander, meanwhile, has surprised with his lean frame and agility, hinting at a versatile role.
At wide receiver, midyear enrollee Tristan Smith (6’5”) offers a towering red-zone target. “He’s not as fast as T.J. Moore or Bryant Wesco, but that size is a weapon,” Swinney said. Sophomore Ricardo Jones, who saw action as a true freshman in 2024, is also emerging as a playmaker in the secondary, vying for snaps at safety.
Defensive Overhaul: A Key Takeaway
If there’s one overarching theme at the midpoint, it’s the defensive transformation under Allen.
With info and “new intel” suggesting the defense is ahead of schedule. “Our top takeaway by far from Clemson’s defense at this juncture? They’re buying into Allen’s system,” the post noted. Improved tackling and discipline—areas of weakness last season—are evident, with Woodaz and Woods leading the charge.
Looking Ahead
With spring practice intensifying, Clemson’s blend of veterans like Klubnik and Miller, alongside emerging talents like Davidson, Brown, and Denson, offers optimism. “We’ve got a lot of guys coming back, and the young ones are stepping up,” Swinney said after a March 14 scrimmage. The Tigers’ failures against the run in 2024 are being addressed head-on, and the offense is finding its rhythm. As the spring game approaches, the focus will shift to solidifying depth and fine-tuning schemes. For now, Clemson’s 2025 spring story is one of renewal—and a team hungry to reclaim its spot among the elite.
