CLEMSON -- The ninth-ranked Clemson Tigers have had a redemptive start to the 2024 season.
The Tigers (6-1, 5-0 ACC) approach November and their "championship phase" with two fewer losses than at this point last year. While the start to the season has showcased the resiliency of the whole team, it has also highlighted players with their own comeback stories.
Defensive tackle Tré Williams has demonstrated the power of perseverance in his career at Clemson.
The former high school All-American has faced his fair share of adversity as a Tiger. Williams was benched for the majority of his freshman season due to injuries. After returning for two successful seasons in 2021 and 2022, he had a shoulder surgery that removed him from most of the action again in the 2023.
Now, a healthy Williams is demonstrating his abilities in full capacity. This year, the Windsor, Conn., native has already tied his personal record for most tackles in a season (10). He was also credited with his first fumble recovery in the Tigers' win over Virginia last Saturday.
"It's been great, it's really a blessing," Williams said of his return. "As some of you guys know, I've worked really hard to get to this point so I'm just blessed honestly. I take every day one day at a time and just thankful for it."
The Tigers have allowed fewer than 100 rushing yards in each of their last three games. Although Williams is pleased with the defensive performance, as a veteran, he has a clear view of how Clemson can still improve.
"We're leaving a lot on the plate," he said. "Our goal is that we don't want to give any rushing yards...we don't want to give up anything so we got to be more stingy in how we approach it."
While the Tigers' winning results look different from last year, Williams knows firsthand that his team's mindset has not wavered.
"I feel like the work we've been putting in hasn't changed, but the result has changed," Williams said. "Now everybody is seeing it, but we've been working in the dark for a long time."
Williams and the Tigers will be working in the dark again this week as they have their second bye of the year. They will return to Memorial Stadium on Nov. 2 to take on the Louisville Cardinals (4-3, 2-2 ACC).