5 Clemson freshmen who impressed in first half of spring practice

Clemson resumes spring practice on Monday afternoon after taking 10 days off for spring break.

The Tigers still have seven practices remaining ahead of the spring game on Saturday, April 15.

With the first half of spring practice over, we take a look at five newcomers who stood out:

DL Peter Woods

It’s hard to not start with Woods, who already looks like one of the best defensive linemen on the team. With Ruke Orhorhoro out, Woods was working with the first team from Day 1 during tempo drills. He’s a player that Dabo Swinney, Nick Eason and a handful of players have mentioned when asked who is standing out.

Woods is powerful and quick and has used that combination to make plenty of plays during practice. He has been a handful for Tigers offensive linemen to block.

“Peter’s one of the strongest kids on the team, right now,” Swinney said. “He’s as good as anybody we’ve had. It’s easy to see. He’s a problem.”

CB Shelton Lewis

Another player who has been praised by teammates and the Clemson coaching staff is Lewis. Fellow cornerback Malcolm Greene said that Lewis has “a competitive edge that’s second to none.” Swinney also had plenty of positive things to say about Lewis after a pick-six during a scrimmage before spring break.

Lewis isn’t the biggest cornerback, but he makes up for that with quickness and competitiveness. He could end up being an ideal nickel for Clemson down the road.

“He’s a kid that’s really stood out. He’s very skilled. … He’s just a smooth, very instinctive, very natural player,” Swinney said. “It’s very important to him. He can run. He’s got really good technique. He’s got excellent ball skills. And he’s incredibly competitive. All of those things are going to serve him well. He’s not overwhelmed, he’s picked things up. He’s showed up and competed every day.”

OL Harris Sewell

It’s no surprise that Sewell has adjusted well to college football after being a four-year starter at Texas high school football powerhouse Permian. Sewell is big and strong and has a nastiness about him that you look for in an offensive lineman. It’s unlikely he earns a starting job as a freshman with four starters returning up front and some experienced depth pieces, but Sewell has a bright future at Clemson.

“Of the young guys, man, Harris Sewell has really, really caught my attention,” Swinney said. “I mean he is a really natural football player. Incredibly physical inside. And picks things up really, really quickly. Very strong and incredibly flexible and can really bend. He understands leverage and how to play in there.”

WR Noble Johnson

Clemson has plenty of reps available at receiver with several veterans banged up this spring. That has led to Johnson getting extra opportunities. Those extra reps have aided in his development and have been good for him as he works to get on the field as a freshman.

Johnson is big, strong and runs well. He needs to be more consistent making contested catches, but he has all of the physical tools to be a really good player.

“Have known Noble for a couple of years now. Have watched a lot of his film and his games and seen him in person,” Clemson OC Garrett Riley said of the Texas native. “He’s one that’s getting a ton of reps right now and physically, he’s a gifted guy. We’ve got to bring him along. He’s already made strides here. He’s an eager individual, but physically gifted.”

LB Jamal Anderson

Clemson needs young guys to step up and provide depth at linebacker, and Anderson is a candidate to do just that. He has added some muscle already after arriving at Clemson at around 200 pounds. He needs to continue to add weight, but Anderson runs well, flies to the ball and has good instincts. He is also versatile.

“Jamal is really good, man. People don’t really pay attention too much about how aggressive Jamal is,” Greene said. “He’s really strong for his size and he’s been putting on some weight. And he can fly around, too, for a linebacker. He’s fast. He can play all three positions. He’s really good.”

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