Dabo Swinney stands out as a unique figure in the world of college football. While his peers rely on modern tools and strategies, Swinney clings to tradition. Clemson’s program rarely ventures into the transfer portal, if at all. To maintain this approach, continuity within the team’s existing personnel is critical. This dedication to culture and tradition has allowed Clemson to retain talents like QB1 Cade Klubnik, even amid NFL interest. Now, Swinney has accomplished yet another significant milestone in keeping his roster intact.
One of the oldest tenets of football success is dominating the line of scrimmage. Clemson’s defensive line has been the cornerstone of the team’s achievements in recent years, continually replenished with top-tier talent. The addition of 5-star recruit Amare Adams bolsters a unit already stacked with stars like Vic Burley, Peter Woods, and Stephiylan Green. However, the future of one key piece remained uncertain—until now.
DeMonte Capehart Returns for 2025
For five years, interior defensive lineman DeMonte “Cuddie” Capehart has been a vital presence in Clemson’s front seven. The redshirt senior was expected to leave the program after the 2024 season. However, injuries marred his final year, sidelining him for much of the season despite his impressive on-paper production. Capehart filed a waiver with the NCAA to secure another year of eligibility, and the request was granted. With this decision, Capehart will return to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks through the 2025 season.
Following the announcement, Cade Klubnik shared his excitement on social media. Capehart and the Tigers posted a joint message stating, “I’m back!! 2025…..⏳.” Klubnik reposted it to his Instagram story, adding the caption, “LETS RUN IT.” It’s clear Klubnik is thrilled to see his teammate, and fellow NFL prospect, postpone the draft for one more season.
Capehart, standing at 6’4″ and 315 pounds, recorded a career-high 21 tackles in 11 games last season, starting in six of them. Although his stats included only 2 tackles for loss and no sacks—compared to 5 and 2, respectively, the prior year—his impact extends beyond the numbers. Capehart’s quiet confidence in his eligibility waiver was evident, as he continued attending classes and participating in practice while awaiting the decision.
Reflecting on Capehart’s situation before the announcement, Dabo Swinney remarked, “He’s training. He’s here. We just talked to him, as a matter of fact. … Hopefully, we’ll know something soon.” Now, Swinney can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing Capehart will anchor the defensive line for another season. But Swinney may not even be the most excited person about this development.
Dabo Swinney’s Relief Overshadowed by a Key Offseason Addition
While Swinney preaches continuity within his roster, he also embraces change when it signals progress. This offseason, Clemson secured what may be its most significant acquisition yet: Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen.
Allen’s arrival at Clemson is a major win for the program. Penn State boasted a top-10 defense last year, and Allen’s résumé includes a Big Ten Coach of the Year award for his tenure at Indiana. His experience and expertise make him a transformative hire, akin to the impact Swinney’s own hiring once had on Clemson.
Clemson is on an upward trajectory. Their strong showing in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff helped mask some evident flaws. However, with continuity among players like Capehart and upgrades in the coaching ranks like Allen’s addition, Clemson is well-positioned to maintain its high standards. In a relatively weak ACC, the pressure will remain on Swinney and his team to capitalize on their momentum.
With stability on the field and strategic changes off it, Clemson’s future looks bright.
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