The Clemson defense has benefited from versatile linebackers in recent years, and an early target for the Tigers in the 2025 class looks to fit that same mold. Eric Winters (6-2 200) of Enterprise, AL camped with Clemson on June 1st and picked up an offer the same day, adding to a growing list that includes Georgia, Auburn, LSU, Tennessee, Southern Cal and Oklahoma, among others.
Clemson co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Wes Goodwin has been the lead recruiter for Winters, and the trip to campus gave him a chance to show off his athleticism and versatility to the Clemson staff in person.
“The more you can do is better, and he needs guys like me that can play in space,” Winters said in explaining the message from Goodwin. “He’s a straight up guy and tells you what you need to hear. They’re all straight up and tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear. Our relationship is pretty good as of right now. We’re still building it at the moment.”
Winters is one of just three linebackers the Tigers have offered thus far in the ’25 class. His being a priority hit home, as did a few other aspects of the Clemson program.
“They don’t offer many people and they don’t just offer anybody,” Winters noted. “The P.A.W. Journey really, really stood out, and the players’ lounge.”
Winters’ film shows him lining up primarily at safety and linebacker, with the ability to come down to defend the run and drop into pass coverage when the need arises. That versatility and those instincts have drawn the attention of coaches all across the country.
“They like how I can play multiple positions and I’m really good in space,” he explained. “I feel that nine times out of ten I’m the smartest player on the field. I have a very high IQ. I’m a hard worker and I can be plugged in at many spots on defense and succeed.”
The talented linebacker revealed that Clemson, Oklahoma, and Auburn are some of the schools that are standing out to him as of now. So, what will Winters be looking for in a program as his recruitment continues?
“Being in a locker room with a group who wants to be great, not just on the field but off the field too,” Winters said. “Really a relationship driven team.”
Winters finished the 2022 football season with 54 tackles, two tackles for loss, three interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery for a 72-yard touchdown return.
