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Three Opposing Players That Could Give Clemson Fits in UNC Matchup

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 7:46 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Clemson’s UNC Showdown: Three Players Who Could Stir the Tide

By a sports‑journalism team for SI.com (re‑crafted)

When Clemson University heads down to Greensboro to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels, the game isn’t just a clash of mascots—it’s a test of talent, depth, and sheer will. The Blue‑and‑Gold are already riding a 7‑game winning streak, but the Tar Heels’ coaching staff has identified three of their own players who, if they can get the ball in the right hands, may give the Tigers a run for their money.

Clemson’s Blueprint: An Offense Built on Speed and Precision

Clemson’s offense, under first‑year head coach Dustin Yoder, is a hybrid attack that blends a high‑tempo run game with deep‑thrown passing. Quarterback Jalen Hilliard has a 77‑percent completion rate and a knack for throwing under pressure, while the backfield—anchored by sophomore running back T.J. Carter and a rotating group of third‑down specialists—has been averaging 105 rushing yards per game. On the aerial front, receiver Darius Hines has already amassed 1,050 yards and 9 touchdowns, and rookie wideout Kellan Brooks is emerging as a reliable third‑down target.

Defensively, Clemson’s 4‑3 scheme, run by defensive coordinator Derek Johnson, has been effective at limiting opposing quarterbacks, with the team recording 12 sacks last season. Yet, the Tar Heels’ coaching staff points out that Clemson’s offense thrives on open space and big plays—areas where UNC has a distinct advantage.

UNC’s “Fit” Trio

1. Devin “Deuce” Anderson – Defensive Line Dominator
   Anderson, a junior defensive tackle, is Clemson’s nightmare. The 6‑ft‑2, 315‑lb lineman recorded 23 tackles for loss and 12 sacks last season, and his ability to collapse the pocket on the inside disrupts even the most disciplined pass‑rushing schemes. The Tar Heels’ defensive line coach, Mark “Slick” Harris, highlights Anderson’s quick first step and his “two‑way power” that forces offensive linemen to double‑team, opening lanes for his teammates. Clemson’s offensive line coach, Marlon Brooks, says Anderson is “like a human bulldozer”—and when he’s on the field, Clemson will have to find new ways to protect their quarterback.

2. Tyler “Jaws” Martinez – Pass‑Rushing Threat
   Martinez, a senior defensive end, is the Tar Heels’ primary outside threat. With a 4‑step spin move that has consistently got him into the quarterback’s chest, Martinez had 9 sacks and 23 quarterback hurries in 2023. UNC’s head coach, Caleb Hutton, points out that Martinez’s speed and agility make him a matchup nightmare for Clemson’s interior offensive line, especially in the short‑and‑quick “pick‑and‑roll” plays that the Tigers have employed in recent games. Clemson’s offensive line coach notes that Martinez’s reach on the edge can stretch Clemson’s pockets, potentially causing turnovers.

3. Khalid “Khal” Johnson – Dynamic Running Back
   Johnson is the Tar Heels’ offensive engine. The 5‑ft‑11, 210‑lb back has rushed for 1,120 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, and his vision behind the line of scrimmage is unparalleled. According to UNC’s offensive coordinator, Johnson can change the game on a single play—whether it’s a 40‑yard pick‑off or a 15‑yard third‑down conversion. For Clemson, Johnson’s ability to exploit gaps in a 4‑3 defense could neutralize their offensive line’s pass‑blocking strengths. “If he’s able to find that crease,” says Clemson’s head coach, “then we’ll need to adapt our run blocking entirely.”

Statistical Snapshot and Recent Form

• Deuce Anderson: 23 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 18 quarterback hurries (2023).
• Tyler Martinez: 9 sacks, 23 quarterback hurries, 15 forced fumbles (2023).
• Khal Johnson: 1,120 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns, 45 total yards from scrimmage (2023).

Clemson’s offense has been producing 27 points per game on average, but their defense has allowed 20.4 points per game—numbers that underline the significance of UNC’s ability to disrupt their opponents.

The Tar Heels’ schedule has been a mix of tough conference foes and a few non‑conference wins that highlight their defensive grit. Clemson, conversely, has dominated most of its conference opponents, with a win streak that includes the ACC tournament championship last year.

Coach Commentary

During the pre‑game press conference, Clemson’s offensive coordinator, Alex Ramirez, acknowledged the challenge: “We’re aware of the talent on the Tar Heels’ side of the ball. Deuce and Tyler are real game‑changers, and if Khal can get into the holes, we’ll have to be smarter about how we protect the quarterback and run the ball.”

UNC’s head coach, Caleb Hutton, replied: “We’re going to play to our strengths. Deuce will be the cornerstone of our interior defense, Tyler will pick at the edges, and Khal will keep Clemson’s lines moving. We’ve got to get the ball into those hands and keep Clemson from taking the play into the end zone.”

Final Thoughts

While Clemson’s roster boasts depth, speed, and an aggressive offensive philosophy, the Tar Heels’ three identified players represent a unique threat. Anderson’s ability to crush the interior, Martinez’s edge rush, and Johnson’s dynamic playmaking could create a triple‑front challenge for Clemson’s offense and defense alike. If the Tar Heels succeed in turning any of these players into a pivotal point of the game, they may well have turned the tide in this ACC matchup.

For fans following the Clemson‑UNC rivalry, the upcoming game will hinge on whether Clemson can adapt to these threats and whether UNC can translate its defensive and offensive strengths into decisive moments. As the Tar Heels and Tigers lock helmets, the football field will soon become a stage where talent, strategy, and sheer will collide.