Dabo Swinney Fires off Shocking Comments Before Clemson's Season Opener

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The Clemson Tigers just lost their two top defensive tackles in Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart to the NFL Draft, so what was once a position of major strength has turned into an area of significant uncertainty.

Former five-star recruit Amare Adams and transfer addition Markus Strong are widely viewed as the two frontrunners to top the depth chart, with fellow transfer pickup Andy Burburija in the mix, as well.

However, head coach Dabo Swinney has not exactly been impressed with what he's seen from anyone, and he made that very clear when discussing the defensive tackle position this week.

When asked if he had seen what he wanted out of the players at that spot, Swinney was very blunt in his assessment.

“Nope. I think they are a bunch of nobodies,” Swinney said. “That is kind of who they are. I don’t think there is anybody at that position yet who’s earned it. I think there is talent there.

"There are a lot of good players there, but I have not really seen an alpha yet. I think I have got one at every other position, but I have not seen one at D-tackle yet. I am waiting.”

That is an incredibly fiery message from Swinney, and surely, the defensive tackles heard it loud and clear.

Clemson has a very talented roster loaded with potential first-round draft picks, but the DT room has not really fleshed itself out just yet.

Swinney then qualified his statement by saying he thinks there is potential there.

“That is okay. Sometimes it is going to be a group of guys, and I think — I think it is a talented group. I really do,” Swinney said. “I think we have good players, but I think some of it is they are new guys. Burburija has not been here. He is still figuring it out. Devarrick [Woods] hasn’t been here. He is still figuring it out. But they are experienced guys. Good football players.”

Adams in particular seems like the name to watch given how highly he was touted when he arrived at Clemson last season, but he didn't see the field all that much.

Perhaps the former top prospect will have a breakout year in 2026. If not, the Tigers could be in some trouble on the interior.

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