Tigers Focus on Daily Growth as Fall Camp Kicks Off in Clemson
Back to Work in Tigertown
It’s that time of the year again, and the Clemson Tigers have hit the field for Fall Camp. Just 29 days stand between them and the season opener against LSU inside Death Valley. Expectations for this team were already set months ago when nearly everyone announced their return for the 2025 season.
But as we have all seen in sports, games are not won with recognition or preseason watchlists. What Clemson has to do now is simple. Stay focused, tune out the noise, and win the day.
The Right Mindset Matters
Sammy Brown said it best yesterday when asked if this team can be special.
“Yeah, I mean, we’ve definitely got a chance, but at the end of the day, we just got to take it one day at a time. And, you know, Coach Swinney has kind of used the acadonym of one. One play, one series, one day, one hour. I mean, what you can do in that one moment to get better is what we’ve really been focusing on this off season.”
This team looks and feels like a group that is locked in. The leadership is strong, the energy is focused, and it does not feel like their minds are anywhere else. That gives a lot of confidence in what they can accomplish this season.
Setting the Standard
Championship teams are built on accountability and effort, especially when no one is watching. Linebacker Wade Woodaz talked about how that has taken shape this summer with the defensive line and linebacker group setting the tone. Newcomer Jeremiah Alexander has made his presence felt, especially with his relentless work ethic.
“So constantly having that thought of what’s Jeremiah doing in the back of my head, just makes me want to be like, ‘Jeremiah’s working out, I probably need to go work out. Or Jeremiah’s doing a little extra after a workout, I’m gonna go do a little extra.’ So just constantly competing with him and trying to get the upper hand on him, ultimately gonna make us all better.”
When a few players start putting in extra work, it begins to spread. That is exactly what happened this summer.
“We started showing up about an hour before every lift in the summer, and it started with just a D line and linebackers. Then it was D line, linebackers, O line. Then D line, linebackers, DBs. And then slowly running backs, tight ends, everybody started getting involved. So it’s pretty cool to see just the impact. We didn’t say, show up an hour before. We just did it,” said Woodaz.
Watchlist Season
As expected, Clemson is being well represented on preseason award watchlists. From national recognition to All-ACC selections, the individual talent is there.
Maxwell Award (Most outstanding player in college football)
- Cade Klubnik
- Antonio Williams
Outland Trophy (Best interior lineman)
- Blake Miller
- Peter Woods
Bronko Nagurski Trophy (Top national defensive player)
- TJ Parker
- Avian Terrell
- Peter Woods
Jim Thorpe Award (Top defensive back)
- Avieon Terrell
Butkus Award (Top linebacker)
- Sammy Brown
- Wade Woodaz
Wuerffel Trophy (Outstanding community service)
- Adam Randall
Paul Hornung Award (Most versatile player)
- Antonio Williams
Lou Groza Award (Nation’s Best Placekicker)
- Nolan Hauser
All Eyes on August 30
Tigers fans have a lot to be excited about as the 2025 season inches closer. With veteran production returning, a few new faces in the staff room, and hopefully a healthier roster, this team has every reason to believe they can make a run.
But talk is talk.
Now it is time to work.
The path forward is not built in projections. It is built in preparation and work. If this team continues to do the little things right, one day at a time, then come August 30, Clemson will be ready to set the tone for a great season.
