It didn’t take long for defensive end Will Heldt to make his presence felt on the practice field at Clemson.

The transfer from Purdue was signed in December to help bolster the spot at end opposite T.J. Parker, a position that was routinely a weakness for the Tigers defensively a season ago.

Veteran offensive lineman Blake Miller is already reaping high praise on one of the new additions to Clemson’s defensive line.

“Before I even went against him, just kind of physically, stature-wise, just looking at him, he looks the part,” Miller said. “His play is very, very physical. Not afraid to stick his head in there to take on a run block.”

Heldt spent his first two seasons at Purdue. Last year, he finished with 56 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown.

It’s that kind of production that Tigers are expecting from Heldt in 2025.

“Also too, he is a very graceful and natural pass-rusher,” Miller added. “He moves really well.”

The 6-foot-6, 265-pound pass rusher saw the Boilermakers go 5-19 in his two seasons with the program. Last season, Purdue finished just 1-11. Heldt’s desire to play for a winner was a major factor in his decision to transfer.

He is also seen as a piece that Clemson was missing on the defensive side of the ball a season ago, and his arrival should provide a major boost on multiple fronts, including helping improve a rush defense that was nowhere close to meeting the standard.

Heldt will also give the Tigers another quality pass-rusher to go along with Parker, who led the team with 11 sacks last year.

“Seeing him out on the edge, he definitely commands respect,” Miller said.