CLEMSON FOOTBALL

TJ Parker and Peter Woods lived up to the hype as freshmen.
TJ Parker and Peter Woods lived up to the hype as freshmen.

Three Tiger defenders make 247Sports true freshman All-America team


by -

Three Clemson defenders made 247Sports' true freshman All-America team on Tuesday.

Two happen to line up next to each other with defensive tackle Peter Woods and defensive end TJ Parker.

"Woods excelled during his debut season at Clemson, with 22 tackles and 2.5 TFLs (remember, defensive tackles aren't much for counting stats)," 247Sports' Chris Hummer said. "One of the top-graded run defenders in the Power Five according to PFF, Woods helped pace one of the better run defenses in college football. He also showed a rare ability for someone his size (6-foot-2, 300 pounds) to create pressure, posting 16 of them in 155 pass-rush snaps.

"Clemson just keeps producing great defensive lineman, and Parker is yet another example. Parker led all true freshmen with 11 tackles for loss, to go along with five sacks and 30 total tackles. He’s also a really good defender. Woods is one tackle for loss shy of tying Myles Murphy’s true freshman program record. Can he make it happen in the Gator Bowl?"

Freshman safety Khalil Barnes was named first-team All-ACC by PFF and a freshman All-American by On3, College Football Network, College Football News and The Athletic.

"It's a crowded year for true freshman safeties, so we're creating space for another. Barnes was awesome for Clemson this year. He finished the season with 31 tackles, five TFLs and a trio of interceptions, emerging as a key starter for the Tigers down the stretch. Barnes very much looks the part of a multiyear starter and a future draft pick on the back end of Clemson's defense," Hummer said.

Parker notched freshman honors from CFN, College Football Network and The Athletic, while Woods was named the Freshman Interior Defender of the Year by College Football Network and was also honored by CFN and On3 so far as a freshman All-American.

Ultimate Level LogoUpgrade Your Account

Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.

Upgrade Now
Comment on this story
Print   
Send Feedback to TigerNet Staff: Email | Comment
D1Baseball's latest NCAA Tournament projection features Palmetto State rivals pairing
D1Baseball's latest NCAA Tournament projection features Palmetto State rivals pairing
Where CBS Sports panelists rank Dabo Swinney's place among 'Power' coaches
Where CBS Sports panelists rank Dabo Swinney's place among 'Power' coaches
No. 4 Tigers host BC in ACC regular-season finale series
No. 4 Tigers host BC in ACC regular-season finale series
Clemson wins Chapel Hill Regional, first regional championship win in 20 years
Clemson wins Chapel Hill Regional, first regional championship win in 20 years
Post your comments!