Clemson defensive tackle Demonte Capehart didn’t sugarcoat his assessment of the Tigers’ defensive line through the first two games of the season. Speaking with the media on Wednesday, Capehart acknowledged that the group hasn’t played up to its elite standard, but emphasized there’s confidence in the room that things will improve.
“The defensive line… it hasn’t been elite,” Capehart admitted. “We still got work to do. We got the guys in the room to be better than we’ve been. I think we got room for improvement.”
Keys to Improvement
When asked what specifically the Tigers need to clean up, Capehart pointed to two areas: stopping the run and getting after the quarterback more consistently. Clemson’s front has shown flashes of dominance, but Demonte Capehart believes they can take another step forward.
“Just being more dominant in the run, getting to the quarterback, everything,” he said. “Just give a little bit more… attention to details and your keys and everything like that.”
Capehart also credited defensive tackles coach Nick Eason for keeping the group focused, noting that competition within the room is a driving force.
“Every day you got to show up,” Capehart said. “If you don’t show up, that’ll be the day that your spot gets taken. You got to show up every day with a mindset of work.”
Learning from the Troy Game
Clemson’s defensive line was tested early last weekend when Troy jumped out to a 16-0 lead. Capehart said the key was staying mentally locked in and not letting frustration set in.
“You can’t get distracted by what’s going on around,” Capehart said. “Stay locked in on the task at hand and be focused in the moment.”
He also praised teammate Peter Woods for stepping up at halftime and delivering a message to keep the team together.
“He just wanted everybody to stay together, let everybody know everybody got each other’s back,” Capehart said. “It makes people want to play a little bit harder once you’ve got somebody that reassures you that you have their back.”
Scouting Georgia Tech
Looking ahead to Saturday’s matchup, Demonte Capehart had high praise for the Yellow Jackets, describing them as a tough, gritty football team with a quarterback that embodies that mindset.
“They’re tough, gritty,” he said. “The quarterback’s a warrior… they play with swagger and confidence.”
Georgia Tech announced a whiteout for the game, but Capehart insisted that the Tigers are not concerned about the environment.
“We just focus on our opponent,” Capehart said. “Prepare the same way, do the same things we’ve been doing, just ready to attack.”
Veteran Mindset from Demonte Capehart
Demonte Capehart, now in his sixth year in the program, said he has learned how to stay locked in regardless of outside noise, something he’s trying to pass on to younger teammates.
“I’ve learned from guys before me how to prepare and how to stay locked in,” Capehart said. “Even when stuff like that comes around, you just have to stay focused on the task at hand.”
Final Thoughts
Clemson’s defensive line has the talent to be one of the most dominant units in the country, but Demonte Capehart knows it will take a complete effort to reach that level. His message was clear: keep working, stay focused, and raise the standard.
The Tigers will get another chance to take that step forward this Saturday when they face Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for a packed house and a whiteout environment inside of Bobby Dodd Stadium, a challenge Capehart and company are ready to embrace to show that they have been here before in a high stake game.
