Note: The following appears in the Florida State football gameday program.
For DeMonte Capehart, Clemson stood out from the beginning of his recruiting journey. “Clemson was dominating and I wanted an opportunity to see how I panned out against the best, and I think Clemson had the best in the world then, and we still do. They were at the top of the food chain, and I loved the dominance they built here along with the family atmosphere. It called me.”
An in-state recruit from Hartsville (S.C.) High School, Capehart was a standout, recording 40 tackles and seven sacks as a junior. He finished his high school career at national powerhouse IMG Academy in Florida. By the time he signed with Clemson, he was among the highest-rated defensive tackles in the nation and among the top-30 overall players according to ESPN.
Since arriving on campus in January 2020, Capehart has worked steadily to carve out his role on a defense loaded with talent, including a defensive line unit that has featured seven NFL draft picks since 2021. His freshman season included only 20 snaps, but he made the most of them, recording two tackles for loss and a sack in limited action.
Over time, his role expanded. By the end of the 2023 campaign, he had logged nearly 180 snaps and finished the season with 16 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, pass breakup, caused fumble and nine quarterback pressures.
Now a veteran presence in the trenches, Capehart’s goals for the rest of his senior campaign go beyond individual accolades or national attention.
“Our goal is to be one and to play for each other, have each other’s back and get everyone on the same page to play passionate, winning football.”
Injuries and constant competition for snaps tested his patience, but he pointed to his upbringing as a source of resilience.
“I haven’t come from an easy background. You always have to go to work and show what you can do. The way I was raised has been a big part of how I’ve dealt with things.”
Capehart’s production in 2024 reflected that resilience. In 11 games, including six starts, he tallied a career-high 27 tackles and two pass breakups while playing nearly 250 snaps. Those numbers pushed his career totals to 59 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in 45 games entering the 2025 season.
Looking ahead, Capehart has goals that stretch far beyond Memorial Stadium.
“I want to pursue opportunities at the next level, and real estate has always caught my eye.”
Balancing the grind of football with personal interests has given him perspective. Off the field, he enjoys spending time playing video games, but some of his favorite time is more personal.
“I love spending time with my family, especially my granddad. He’s an old soul, and I love picking his brain and learning from people before me. Those conversations mean a lot.”
Capehart said the Clemson faithful provide him and his teammates a huge advantage on Saturdays.
“Playing in Death Valley is wild. It’s electric. We appreciate our fans because without them, Clemson football wouldn’t be what it is. They make it very special.”
When asked what Clemson fans should know about him, Capehart did not hesitate.
“I’m going to be as disruptive as I can be as long as I’m here.”
Capehart looks to continue wreaking havoc on opposing offenses as he concludes his time as a Tiger.
While Capehart does not try to model his game after one particular NFL player, he admitted he has learned plenty from former teammates now playing in the professional ranks.
“I take pieces of their game, including their explosiveness and twitchiness, and I try to include them in mine.”
The ability to learn from those around him has been a hallmark of his growth and it reflects the culture Clemson has built through the years.
Ultimately, the most important lesson Capehart has taken from his Clemson career is not about football technique or statistics, but rather about time.
“Do what you can while you can, so when you cannot, you won’t wish that you would have when you could have. Time is short, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. You have to do the best with what you have.”
As the Tigers move through the 2025 season, #19 represents both experience and leadership. He has been shaped by the grind, tested by adversity and motivated by the chance to leave a lasting mark on the program.
Whether anchoring the defensive front or planning for life after football, Capehart has proven he is committed to making the most of every moment.
