Dabo Swinney says five-star defensive tackle Peter Woods 'like a Halley's Comet'

The Clemson spring football game has arrived, giving fans the chance to see some of the team’s newcomers, including five-star freshman Peter Woods. And he’s already making a major difference.

The 6-foot-2, 300-pound true freshman earned some rare praise from head coach Dabo Swinney.

“Peter Woods is a guy that is rare,” Swinney said on the ACC Network+ broadcast of the game. “He’s like a Halley’s Comet. Every now and then you get a guy that physically and mentally and maturity and all the intangibles, he’s just ready. Man we’re blessed to have that young man in our program.”

Woods was one of the most sought-after prospects in the country, ranked as a five-star and checking in as the No. 19 overall player in the nation in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

He was the No. 2 defensive lineman in the class and the top overall player from the state of Alabama.

In the first half of Clemson’s spring game, Woods was routinely in the backfield generating pressure on the quarterbacks.

“He’s a dude. He’s grown,” Swinney said. “With Ruke (Orhorhoro) out, with Tre Williams out and with Payton Page out, and those are all future NFL guys, man, Peter Woods and Vic Burley and Stephiylan Green have had a chance to really get a ton of work this spring.”

Woods has made the most of it, to the point that Swinney is comfortable making a 2023 prediction for the five-star freshman.

“You’re going to see him early and often,” he said.

Scouting Report on Peter Woods

As a player comparison, On3 noted that Woods as a prospect reminds of former Florida State defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan. Jernigan, a former five-star prospect, ended up as a second-round NFL Draft pick.

Woods has similar potential.

On3 provided the following scouting report on Peter Woods out of high school:

“Compact defensive lineman creates disruption with first-step quickness and speed in pursuit. Smaller than most of his fellow top defensive line prospects at around 6-foot-2, 280 pounds. Highly productive and disruptive while starring for one of the more talented high school teams in the Southeast. Lines up inside and at end for Thompson High.

“Has some of the best play speed we’ve seen from a defensive lineman nationally. Runs like a linebacker in pursuit. Makes plays behind the line of scrimmage at a high clip. Elevated his play as a junior and senior. Turned in a pair of highly impressive all-star performances at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game and All-America Bowl. A high energy practice player who has been well coached. Likely projects as a three-technique long-term. Lacks prototypical length and frame for top prospects at the position.”