Note: The following appears in the LSU football gameday program.
After a full day of practice and drills in the blistering South Carolina heat, Cade Denhoff’s sharpness and strength did not waver. The intention and focus were evident in each of his plays, and for the onlooker, it was clear. For Denhoff, tackling is as much mental as it is physical.
With its season opener against No. 4 LSU, #44 is ready to make a difference right away on the defensive line during his fifth and final season wearing orange and purple.
In seventh grade after years of playing baseball, Denhoff’s father signed him up for tackle football, and from the very beginning, he played defensive end. Now about a decade later, Denhoff is a standout player on Clemson’s defense.
Denhoff was offered multiple football scholarships, but Clemson was the clear choice for the standout from Plant City, Fla. He knew as soon as his first unofficial visit in the spring of 2019 that Clemson was the program for him.
What made Clemson stand out? The people. Head Coach Dabo Swinney and the culture his program encouraged gave Denhoff the sense that Clemson could be his home away from home.
Now about five years later, Swinney’s football program has helped form the man and athlete Denhoff is today. He is a well-rounded student-athlete, fulfilling his priorities in faith, academics and football.
For Denhoff, an aspect of Tiger football that forms an especially exceptional program is the “love and appreciation” Clemson’s players hold for one another as teammates, fueled by “the common bond shared trying to attack greatness and to be excellent. You don’t find that everywhere.”
As for his favorite game he has played for the Tigers so far, Denhoff has what many would consider a “hot take,” the 2024 rivalry game against South Carolina. Despite the end result, the energy and the atmosphere from the rivalry game still stand out in his mind. Denhoff explained that Clemson’s fans showing up made a significant impact on him, despite the game’s outcome.
“It was so loud and surreal.”
In addition, Denhoff considers the 2022 game against NC State as one of his favorite gamedays.
When asked about his favorite play as a Tiger, Denhoff did not hesitate in recalling his performance in the 2024 game against NC State. In the first quarter, fellow defensive end T.J. Parker sacked NC State quarterback CJ Bailey, forcing a fumble, and Denhoff was there to recover the ball.
Denhoff is pursuing a master’s degree in athletic leadership after graduating with a degree in criminal justice. Drawn by his interests in forensics and the court system, Denhoff has been fascinated by the subject since his high school years. After graduate school, Denhoff wants to make an impact on young men’s lives.
“I’ve always been interested in impacting young men, whether that’s coaching or leading. I’m really passionate about that, leading and helping young men.”
Between the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Denhoff grew the most in the mental side of his game.
“I’ve obviously gotten stronger, faster and all that, but I’ll maturing in my mental toughness and my mental performance. I’m not fearful of what’s to come, and I take it day by day, staying in the present.”
Everything Denhoff has tackled on and off the field has helped form the man he is today, a well-rounded, devoted athlete and student who is set to shine in his senior season.
