PFF reveals 5 highest graded Clemson players from matchup against Duke

It was a tough night overall for Clemson on Monday against Duke, but there were some bright spots in the season opener for the Tigers.

Despite the 28-7 loss, there were multiple standouts on both sides of the ball.

PFF grades every player in the country following each game, and its grades for Week 1 are in. Here is a look at the five highest-graded players for the Tigers from the matchup against Duke:

DT Tyler Davis — 77.1

The class of 2019 signee surprised many by choosing to come back to Clemson for another season. His super senior year is off to a strong start. Davis was credited with seven tackles in the loss to Duke. He didn’t have any sacks or tackles for loss, but he was still the highest-rated player for the Tigers. Davis was also credited with a quarterback pressure. His seven tackles ranked second on the team, behind only Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

DT Peter Woods — 71.4

While a super senior was ranked as the top player for Clemson against Duke, true freshman Peter Woods came in at No. 2. Woods played 22 snaps against the Blue Devils, finishing without a tackle. However, he did a nice job of creating a push up front and getting into the backfield. Woods had a pass-rush grade of 74.5, according to PFF, which was No. 2 out of the Clemson front seven, behind only Xavier Thomas.

OL Will Putnam — 71.1

The first offensive player on the list is center Will Putnam, who more than held his own against the Blue Devils. Putnam played all 86 offensive snaps against Duke. According to PFF, he had a pass block grade of 85.3 and a run block grade of 64.8.

DT Ruke Orhorhoro — 70.4

The top three graded Clemson defensive players were all d-linemen as Orhorhoro comes in at No. 4 overall. The senior played 40 snaps against Duke, finishing with four tackles. Orhorhoro finished with a run defense grade of 70 and a pass rush grade of 64.3.

RB Will Shipley — 69.3

Junior running back Will Shipley had a costly drop late, resulting in an interception, but overall he was the best offensive playmaker for Clemson against Duke. The North Carolina native rushed for 114 yards and caught six passes for 29 yards and a touchdown. He scored the only touchdown for the Tigers on the night.

Others of note: Rounding out the top five on offense were Phil Mafah (67.9), Sage Ennis (66.3) and Tristan Leigh (65.6). Defensively, Wade Woodaz was No. 4 with a grade of 68, while freshman TJ Parker came in fifth at 67.7