Clemson DT Vic Burley Determined to Remove Rocks from Shoe

Former blue-chip prospect looks to take next step after injury setback and new roster additions

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:06pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a defensive tackle bursting through the line of scrimmage, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant colors like burnt orange, navy blue, and forest green, conceptually representing Burley's drive to fulfill his potential at Clemson.Burley's determination to overcome obstacles and cement his role on Clemson's defensive line is captured in a cubist, geometric illustration.Clemson Today

Vic Burley, a former five-star defensive tackle prospect who signed with Clemson in 2023, is determined to fulfill his potential after a knee injury as a freshman and the arrival of new talent at his position. Burley is focused on improving his mentality and work ethic to overcome the obstacles he's faced and cement his role on the Tigers' defensive line.

Why it matters

Burley was a highly touted recruit, and Clemson is counting on him to be a key contributor on their defensive line. His development is crucial as the Tigers look to maintain their status as one of the top programs in college football.

The details

Burley suffered an MCL tear during his freshman season, which he says set him back. Since then, he's shown flashes of his potential, but has yet to fully put it all together. With the addition of several new defensive tackles, including Markus Strong and Andy Burburija, Burley knows he needs to step up his game to earn playing time. Burley had a strong performance in Clemson's spring game, recording 3 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a pass breakup.

  • Burley signed with Clemson as part of the 2023 recruiting class.
  • Burley suffered an MCL tear during his freshman campaign in 2023.
  • Burley just completed his fourth spring practice with the Tigers in 2026.

The players

Vic Burley

A former five-star defensive tackle prospect who signed with Clemson in 2023. Burley suffered a knee injury as a freshman that set him back, but is now determined to fulfill his potential.

Dabo Swinney

The head coach of the Clemson Tigers, who has publicly challenged Burley to step up his game after the spring game.

Markus Strong

A defensive tackle who joined Clemson via the transfer portal and is expected to compete for a starting role.

Andy Burburija

A JUCO defensive tackle addition who enrolled at Clemson this summer and is also expected to compete for playing time.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest way I have grown on and off the field is mentality-wise. Of course, I started off my freshman year with an MCL tear. That was a setback, but for a major comeback for me. It really gave me a chance to sit back and watch how the older guys worked.”

— Vic Burley, Clemson Defensive Tackle

“Maybe he doesn't see me as the man. So that pushes me to be the best version of Vic.”

— Vic Burley, Clemson Defensive Tackle

“I love my teammates to death, and with the new additions that we've brought in, it really challenged me to really step my game up because it's competition in the room. It was always competition in the room, but now, you add on to it, just pushing me to be harder.”

— Vic Burley, Clemson Defensive Tackle

“Like Coach Swinney said, I am going to focus on the rock in my shoe. Of course, we got to climb the mountain, but you can't climb nowhere if you still got the pebbles in your shoe.”

— Vic Burley, Clemson Defensive Tackle

What’s next

Burley will look to carry over his strong spring game performance into fall camp and the upcoming season, as he aims to cement his role on Clemson's defensive line and live up to the high expectations that come with being a former five-star recruit.

The takeaway

Burley's determination to overcome his injury setback and the influx of new talent at his position shows his commitment to fulfilling his potential. If he can stay healthy and continue to improve his mentality and work ethic, he could be poised for a breakout season and solidify his place as a key contributor for the Clemson Tigers.