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Clemson Teammates T.J. Parker and Peter Woods Bond Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
The defensive linemen, who were high school rivals in Alabama, have become best friends at Clemson and are projected as early-round picks.
Feb. 18, 2026 at 11:47am
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Clemson defensive ends T.J. Parker and Peter Woods have come a long way since high school, when they were state rivals in Alabama. Now, as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, Parker describes Woods as his 'dawg' and 'best friend.' The two teammates spent a lot of time together during their college careers, holding each other accountable and treating each other like family. Parker is projected to be selected in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals, while Woods is expected to go in the first round to the New York Jets.
Why it matters
The bond between Parker and Woods highlights the transformative power of college football, where former rivals can become the closest of friends. Their journey also showcases the talent pipeline that Clemson has developed, producing multiple high-profile NFL prospects year after year.
The details
Parker and Woods first faced off against each other in high school, with Parker playing for Central High School and Woods suiting up for Thompson High School in Alabama. But a month after Woods committed to Clemson, Parker followed suit, and the two became teammates. Over the next three seasons, they worked their way to the top as potential first-round NFL draft picks, spending countless hours together in the offseason and during training. Parker described Woods as his 'dawg' and 'best friend,' treating him like family.
- Parker and Woods first faced off against each other in high school.
- A month after Woods committed to Clemson, Parker followed suit.
- Over the next three seasons, Parker and Woods played together at Clemson.
- Parker and Woods have declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
The players
T.J. Parker
A 6'3" defensive end for Clemson who is projected to be selected in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially by the Arizona Cardinals.
Peter Woods
A defensive tackle for Clemson who is ranked No. 106 in PFSN's DT Impact Metric and is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially by the New York Jets.
What they’re saying
“We knew each other since high school. We played each other a couple of times. We always talk about going to the same school and teaming up. We wouldn't think it will be closer. I was thinking of a different school and it's just happened that he committed to Clemson and a month later I committed to Clemson.”
— T.J. Parker
“We grow old and we set standards every year we hit 'em. We graduated and we declared after three years. We held ourselves accountable and spent so much time together during the offseason and training. That's just family. I'm happy for him.”
— T.J. Parker
What’s next
Parker and Woods will continue to train and prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, where they are both expected to be high draft picks.
The takeaway
The friendship between T.J. Parker and Peter Woods demonstrates the power of college football to bring together former rivals and forge lifelong bonds. Their journey from high school competitors to Clemson teammates and NFL prospects is a testament to their hard work and the program's ability to develop top-tier talent.
