Demonte Capehart Returns to Clemson After NCAA Waiver Approval
Clemson’s defensive lineman Demonte Capehart is set to return for his sixth season wiht the Clemson Tigers after the NCAA approved his waiver. The news, confirmed by the school and announced by Capehart via social media, marks a significant boost for the Tigers’ defense as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Head coach Dabo Swinney had previously revealed that Clemson applied for the waiver, which delayed Capehart’s decision about his future despite the looming NFL draft withdrawal deadline. “We’re waiting on giving you a final answer,” Swinney said, via The State’s Chapel Fowler. “he’s training. He’s hear. we just talked to him, as a matter of fact. … Hopefully, we’ll know something soon.”
The approval comes on the heels of one of Capehart’s most productive seasons. In 11 appearances,he recorded 21 tackles,including two tackles for loss. This followed a strong 2023 campaign where he notched 15 tackles, a career-high five tackles for loss, and a sack. His performance has solidified his role as a key contributor to Clemson’s defensive line.
Capehart’s return coincides with the arrival of new defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who joins Clemson after a successful stint at Penn State. Under Allen’s leadership, the Nittany Lions boasted a Top-10 defense last season, allowing just 294.8 yards and 16.5 points per game en route to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they fell to Notre Dame.
Allen, who previously served as Indiana’s head coach from 2017-23, has expressed his enthusiasm for his new role.“There’s two things I love to do. I love impacting the lives of young people. You can do that by investing in a time component.When you’re a head coach, it’s hard to have that time to get to really know the guys and really dive into their lives,” Allen said. “This gives me a chance to do that. Also, I really do enjoy the football side of defense, studying film, diving into all that. You don’t really get a chance to do that.I became a head coach,tried to call the defense for a few years,but it was just too much after a while.So, this role really fits me, what I enjoy doing.”
With Capehart’s return and Allen’s defensive expertise, Clemson is poised to build on its recent successes. Fans can expect Capehart to continue his upward trajectory as he anchors the Tigers’ defensive line in 2025.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|—————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Player | Demonte capehart |
| Team | clemson Tigers |
| Waiver Status | Approved by NCAA |
| 2024 Stats | 21 tackles, 2 tackles for loss |
| 2023 Stats | 15 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack |
| New Defensive Coordinator | Tom Allen |
| allen’s Previous Role | Penn State Defensive Coordinator |
| Allen’s Career Highlights | Top-10 defense in 2024, College Football Playoff semifinalist |
Stay tuned as Capehart and the Tigers gear up for what promises to be an exciting season under their new defensive leadership.
Headline:
Clemson’s Defensive Lineman Demonte Capehart Returns for 2025 Season: An Interview with Defensive specialist Coach Tom Allen
Introduction:
as the Clemson Tigers gear up for the upcoming season, the news of defensive lineman Demonte Capehart’s return has sparked excitement among fans. After the NCAA approved his waiver, Capehart will be back for his sixth season, providing a significant boost to the Tigers’ defense. To discuss this advancement and the impact it will have on Clemson’s fortunes, we welcome renowned defensive specialist Coach Tom Allen.Allen, formerly the Defensive coordinator at Penn State and the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, shares his insights into Capehart’s return and the upcoming season.
Interview:
1. Coach Allen, can you start by sharing your thoughts on demonte Capehart’s return to Clemson?
Coach Allen: I’m absolutely thrilled about Demonte’s return. He’s a proven performer and a valuable asset to any defensive line. His production speaks for itself, and his decision to come back for another season is a real vote of confidence in what we’re building here at Clemson. I’m looking forward to working with him and helping him elevate his game even further.
2. With his 2024 stats of 21 tackles and 2 tackles for loss, Capehart has shown he can be a reliable contributor. What do you think he brings to the table that’s often overlooked?
Coach Allen: Demonte’s experience and leadership are often overlooked,but they’re incredibly important. He’s been in this system for a while now, which means he understands the intricacies of our defensive schemes. That knowledge allows him toanticipate plays and be in the right place at the right time. Plus, his experience helps him mentor the younger players on the team, helping to raise the overall level of our defense.
3. Your defensive expertise is well-known, Coach. What aspects of Capehart’s game are you looking to improve or build upon this season?
Coach Allen: I think Demonte’s strength and power at the point of attack are remarkable. I want to help him refine his pass-rushing technique to make him even more of a threat. We’ll work on his hand usage, footwork, and Explosion to increase his sacks and hurries. I also want to help him continue to develop his run-stopping ability.He’s already very good, but there’s always room for betterment.
4. Your return to Clemson as the new Defensive Coordinator coincides with Capehart’s return. How do you think your defensive philosophy will mesh with the players you have, starting with Demonte?
Coach Allen: I believe my defensive philosophy will mesh well with the players we have, Demonte included. I like to run an aggressive, attack-minded defense that puts pressure on the opposing offense. demonte’s skill set and experience fit perfectly into that system.I want our defensive linemen to be disruptive, and I’m confident that Demonte will thrive in this environment.
5. Coach, what message would you like to send to Clemson fans excited about Demonte Capehart’s return and the upcoming season?
Coach Allen: I’d like to say, “Get ready for an exciting season, Tiger fans! Demonte’s return is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a big one.We’re working hard to build a defense that will be a force to be reckoned with. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at Death Valley this fall, and I can’t wait to see what this team can accomplish together.”
Stay tuned to world-today-news.com for more updates on Clemson Tigers football and other exciting stories from the world of sports.
