Clemson Players Spotlight Spring Standouts in Recent Podcast

CLEMSON, S.C. – Rising senior quarterback Cade Klubnik and linebacker Wade Woodaz highlighted impressive under-the-radar players during a recent episode of Clemson Football’s official podcast, 2 Right Turns. As they discussed their experiences from spring ball, both players showcased their insights on the team’s emerging talent.

During the podcast, Woodaz named true freshman defensive tackle Amare Adams as a standout. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound athlete from South Florence High School has made waves since joining the Tigers in January as a five-star recruit. “For me, defensively, the guy I would point out is Amare Adams,” Woodaz said. “He picked it up really quick. And for that dude to be 18 years old and be that big is – I don’t know what they feed them boys over in Florence, but I want some of that. Definitely Amare Adams for sure.”

On the offensive side, Woodaz highlighted second-year tight end Christian Bentancur. A multi-sport star in Illinois, Bentancur was ranked among the nation’s top 125 prospects in the 2024 class. He enters the 2025 season having played 17 offensive snaps over six games in 2024. “Offensively, a guy who’s stood out, I would say Christian Bentancur,” Woodaz said. “He’s physical, fast, literally can do everything. He’s definitely stood out, and a great person for me to compete against as a backer. He’ll come and try to block me, and I’ll have to cover him. So, yeah, I love going against him too, and we talk about it too, where can I improve.”

Klubnik shared his thoughts on the defensive side, naming a pair of defensive ends: redshirt freshman Darien Mayo and junior Will Heldt. Heldt transferred to Clemson from Purdue, while Mayo, a former four-star recruit, is coming off a redshirt season. “I would say on the defensive side, definitely Mayo,” Klubnik said. “I think he’s a guy that has gotten better every year, but he’s really had some big kind of sparks this spring where he’s been making some disruption.”

Klubnik also pointed to Heldt’s immediate impact since arriving at the university. “And then Will Heldt as well, just coming in and ever since he got here, he just kind of got here and went to work,” he said. “I’m definitely feeling that as a quarterback and feeling that pressure sometimes…They’ve been disrupting a lot.”

On the offensive side, Klubnik expressed admiration for senior wide receiver Tristan Smith, who made a significant impression this spring after transferring from Southeast Missouri State. Smith excelled during Clemson’s Orange & White Spring Game on April 5, recording five catches for 137 yards and a touchdown. “Offensively, I would say Tristan Smith,” Klubnik said. “I can’t believe he went JUCO. He’s a dude that can go up and get the ball, but he’s an elite route-runner. Best part about his game is his hands. He does not drop the ball.”

Klubnik continued, “He had one ball he got up probably 10, 11 feet, the ball was up in the air and he went and got it. So, he’s definitely been super exciting and really fun.”