Demonte Capehart is running it back at Clemson. The Tigers defensive lineman’s waiver has been approved by the NCAA, the school confirmed to On3, and he announced the news via social media. This exciting development means that fans can look forward to another season with one of Clemson’s standout players.
Building on Success
Capehart is coming off one of the best years of his career at Clemson, which helped him generate some late-round buzz in the NFL Draft. In 11 appearances last season, he totaled 21 tackles, including two tackles for loss. This impressive performance followed a 2023 season where he recorded 15 tackles, featuring a career-high five tackles for loss and a sack. With numbers like these, it’s no wonder that the anticipation surrounding his return is palpable.
Awaiting the Waiver
Before the good news arrived, Dabo Swinney had previously confirmed that Clemson applied for a waiver for Capehart and was waiting for a response. This uncertainty was why Capehart had not yet announced his plans for the future, especially with the NFL Draft withdrawal deadline looming next month. Swinney expressed optimism about Capehart’s chances of getting his waiver approved, stating, “We’re waiting on giving you a final answer. He’s training. He’s here. We just talked to him, as a matter of fact. … Hopefully, we’ll know something soon.”
A New Defensive Era
With Capehart back in the fold, he will now look to build on back-to-back impressive seasons as Clemson welcomes a new defensive coordinator. Former Penn State DC Tom Allen is taking over after leading one of the top defenses in the country. The Nittany Lions boasted a Top-10 defense last season, allowing just 294.8 yards and 16.5 points per game. They made it to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they faced off against Notre Dame.
Allen brings a wealth of experience to the Tigers’ defense. He spent two seasons in Happy Valley after serving as Indiana’s head coach from 2017-2023. However, he has no plans to return to the head coaching role anytime soon. “There’s two things I love to do. I love impacting the lives of young people,” Allen said. “When you’re a head coach, it’s hard to have that time to really know the guys and dive into their lives. This gives me a chance to do that.”
Looking Ahead
As Capehart prepares for his sixth season, the excitement is building. Fans are eager to see how he will contribute to a defense that is poised for success under Allen’s guidance. With a new leader at the helm, this could be the year that Clemson’s defense returns to its dominant form. Capehart’s experience and skill set will be crucial as the team aims to make a deep run in the upcoming season.
The combination of Capehart’s talent and Allen’s defensive philosophy could create a formidable unit. Capehart’s ability to read plays and disrupt offenses will be essential as he works alongside his teammates to establish a strong defensive presence. Can this duo help elevate Clemson back to the top of college football? The potential is certainly there.
The Road Ahead
As the season approaches, Capehart will be focused on refining his skills and preparing for the challenges ahead. His commitment to training and improving is evident, and it will be exciting to see how he translates that dedication into performance on the field. The Clemson faithful are eager for a season filled with thrilling moments and standout plays.
Moreover, with a new defensive coordinator in place, the entire defensive squad will be adapting to Allen’s strategies and techniques. This transition period could lead to some growing pains, but it also presents an opportunity for players like Capehart to shine. The synergy between the players and coaching staff will be critical in determining the success of the defense.
Final Thoughts
Demonte Capehart’s return to Clemson is a significant boost for the Tigers as they gear up for the upcoming season. With his impressive track record and the leadership of Tom Allen, fans have every reason to be optimistic. The combination of established talent and fresh coaching perspectives could lead to a thrilling season filled with potential.
As college football fans, we can’t help but get excited about the possibilities. Will Capehart continue to elevate his game and help lead Clemson to new heights? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the anticipation is building, and the countdown to kickoff has officially begun!
