TJ Parker shares how he ended up at Clemson after bumpy recruiting process

T.J. Parker didn’t always see himself at Clemson. Parker was originally committed to Penn State as a recruit, but Peter Woods and Christopher Vizzina played a role in the flip.

Woods and Vizzina were in Parker’s ear about committing to Clemson instead. Parker revealed this at Wednesday’s press conference.

Parker stated that the two Clemson players were “in his ear” about the move.

Clemson freshman DE T.J. Parker was initially committed to Penn State but said Peter Woods and Christopher Vizzina were “in his ear” about flipping to Clemson, which he ultimately did. Ended up with two tackles and two QB pressures in his debut vs. Duke

— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 6, 2023

Parker was a former 4-star DL out of Phenix City (Ala.) Central in the 2023 class. The 247Sports Composite ranked him as the No. 6 DL and No. 7 Alabama prospect.

Clemson fans will be glad that Parker is a Tiger instead of a Nittany Lion. Parker recorded 2 quarterback pressures and 2 total tackles in his Clemson debut vs. Duke.

Parker’s debut did not end with a Clemson win, sadly. The Tigers lost to Duke 28-7 on Labor Day.

Parker and Clemson will have a chance to put things back on track against Charleston Southern in Week 2.

Kickoff will be Saturday at 2:15 p.m. ET on ACC Network.