Replacing an All-American linebacker like Jeremiah Trotter Jr is a challenging task. He was the most productive player on the Tiger defense last season. His 88 total tackles last season were the most by any Tiger and 21 more than the next most tackles on the team. Now, he’s moved on to the next level. Luckily for Clemson, the next man up looks more than ready.
Junior linebacker Wade Woodaz has been sitting behind Trotter and Barrett Carter for two years. In that time, he quietly developed into an essential piece of the Clemson defense. Woodaz has the talent to fill in the big shoes Trotter left behind. It’s shown in the opportunities he’s gotten so far. Stepping into a full-time starter role this season, Woodaz now has the chance to make his name known to the broader college football audience.
Background
Woodaz is from Tampa, Florida, where he attended Jesuit High School. In his time there, Woodaz accumulated 216 total tackles and a 36-2 record in three seasons. During his senior season, he was a team captain for his Jesuit team that went 15-0 and won the state championship. Jesuit also was ranked 11th in the nation amongst high school teams that year. Woodaz would finish high school as a three-star recruit and committed to Clemson in November of 2021.
Clemson Career (So Far)
Woodaz is now entering his third season as a Clemson Tiger. The true junior linebacker will be getting his chance to be a full-time starter, but he already has some great experience as a rotational player. Woodaz has played 537 snaps in 27 games in his first two seasons. He’s even actually started in six games when guys have been out. One in his freshman year and five last season. This includes a start in the 2023 Gator Bowl for Trotter, who opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. In the Gator Bowl, Woodaz got four total tackles, one for loss.
His best game as a Tiger to this point was last season’s game against Florida Atlantic. Woodaz finished that game with five total tackles, one pass deflection, and one interception. So far in his career, Woodaz has 48 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble, five pass break-ups, two interceptions, and a touchdown.
He filled up the stat sheet as a rotation piece for the Tigers. There is nothing that we’ve seen to think he won’t continue to do so as a first stringer. Even in the Spring game a few weeks ago, he racked up eight total tackles, one tackle for loss, and a pass breakup. Woodaz will have to play a crucial part in any success the Tigers hope to have in 2024.
2024 Expectations
As mentioned earlier, replacing Trotter is going to be tough. Having someone like Woodaz to do so, though, makes that transition easier. He’s a very physical, high-motor linebacker with excellent ball skills. His best quality is how he always ends up near the ball. He ends every play around the ball, even if he isn’t the one to make it. His relentless pursuit is something that makes up for any lack of athleticism.
We expect Woodaz to be an All-Conference level player for the Tigers this season. At worst, he should end up as an honorable mention. If he is as productive as we believe he will be, he could end up on some NFL teams’ radars heading into the 2025 season. The one thing missing from Woodaz’s resume is one or two dominant performances. Expectations are high for Woodaz and the Tigers’ defense as a whole. From what has been put on film so far, though, it is hard to see those expectations not being reached.
