Clemson linebacker Wade Woodaz made it clear this week that he wants defensive coordinator Tom Allen to stay right where he was during last Saturday’s win… on the sideline.
Allen, in his first season with the Tigers, spent the early part of the year coaching from the press box during the team’s 1–3 start. But after returning to the field for the 38–10 victory at North Carolina, the veteran coach plans to remain on the sideline when Clemson heads to Boston College on Saturday night.
Woodaz said the energy Allen brings on game day makes a noticeable difference.
“Yeah, he brings some juice, so I’m happy he’s going to be on the sideline for the rest of the year,” Woodaz said Wednesday. “There’s definitely a difference just because against UNC when we made mistakes, he’s the defensive coordinator — he’s the one who built the defense. When we make a mistake, we look to him because he knows all the answers. And nothing against his son, Thomas Allen. But it’s different having the headman on the sideline versus TA, and Coach Allen talks to us every day. He gets in front of the defense every single day. So just having that leader, the guy to look to on the sideline is great for us players.”
Clemson’s defense looked more confident in Chapel Hill, and Woodaz believes Allen’s presence had something to do with it. He also said the team hasn’t lost sight of the work still ahead after its rough start.
“You don’t expect to start 1–3, especially with everybody we had returning. It was very frustrating,” Woodaz said. “So yeah, we were all obviously down, but it was good to respond last week, so just keep going. It was great having (Allen on the field), especially because I haven’t been on the field with him before, so having him there and being the leader of our defense and then having him on the sideline means there is always someone to look to.
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“It starts in practice bringing the juice every day. We had great energy last week, so we just got to replicate that this week and carry it on. And then obviously preparation too, being prepared for the opponent and communicating while we’re on the field.”
Clemson’s defense had a lot of juice last Saturday. We’ll have to see if this continues.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson LB Wade Woodaz on having DC Tom Allen on the sideline
