Clemson freshman All-American TJ Parker changing jersey number to 3

Xavier Thomas is moving on from the Clemson program, but his No. 3 will still be worn by a Tigers defensive end. Freshman All-American TJ Parker announced on Friday that he is switching to No. 3.

Parker wore No. 12 during his breakout freshman season in 2023, posting 41 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. His 12.5 tackles for loss broke Clemson’s true freshman record and tied for the national lead among freshmen.

TJ Parker signed with Clemson as a four-star recruit and the No. 54 overall player in the country in the class of 2023, according to the On3 Industry rankings.

He and fellow freshman All-American Peter Woods were two of the top performers on the Clemson defense this past season.

Parker appeared in 13 games and made three starts in 2023. He and Woods should both be a part of the Clemson starting lineup in 2024.

Clemson had several players switch jersey numbers prior to the bowl game, but with Xavier Thomas suiting up for the bowl, Parker wasn’t allowed to.

With Thomas running out of eligibility and moving on from the program, Parker had the chance to move from No. 12 to No. 3.

Parker wore No. 3 at Central high in Phenix City, Ala., so it’s no surprise he is switching to No. 3 at Clemson now that he can. Parker had a great high school career at Central, finishing with 63 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks as a senior.

Parker and the Tigers finished 9-4 this past season, winning five straight games to close out the year after a 4-4 start.

Clemson announces new jersey numbers for multiple players

Ahead of the Gator Bowl against Kentucky, Clemson announced that several other players would be sporting new jersey numbers moving forward.

Cornerback Shelton Lewis, tight end Olsen Patt-Henry and safety Rob Billings all changed numbers before the Gator Bowl.

Shelton Lewis moved from 14 to 2, Olsen Patt-Henry changed from 81 to 11, and Rob Billings is now wearing 14 after previously being No. 31.

The changes came due to several players leaving the program after the end of the regular season.

No. 2 became available after star cornerback Nate Wiggins declared for the draft.

A transfer portal departure led to the No. 11 being available. It was previously worn by tight end Sage Ennis.

With Shelton Lewis moving to No. 2, that allowed Billings to move in and claim No. 14.