By Heath Bradley.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney praised his new defensive coordinator during Tuesday’s press conference. When asked this morning about Brent Venables and what he has done for Clemson in his short time here, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was very complimentary of Venables. “His resume speaks for itself. I really enjoy working with him.” Swinney went on to elaborate about how nothing has surprised him so far about working with Venables, except one out of the office situation that took place earlier this summer. “Probably the only thing that surprised me about Brent is that he ran out of gas on the lake in his boat. I am looking forward to getting on the field with him. He’s kind of like a caged animal. I think we’re going to get better and better as the season goes.”
When asked, Venables replied. “Well I am a guy that I am going to empty my tank, you are going to get everything I have.
“That is what you expect to hear from a high-energy coach like Brent Venables, a guy who gives it all on the field, in the meeting room, and off the field as well. This intensity is something that Swinney loves in his coaches, although at times Venables has had to be calmed down. “Sometimes he is out there and we have to move him because he’s in the way. Our guys have bought in. He’s tried to take an approach that has allowed us to develop a very competitive depth situation at all positions,” said Venables.
The transition for the staff as well as the players is something that has been almost seamless in the eyes of Venables.
“It was a pretty seamless transition, at least on my part. I felt there was a real strong willingness both from players and coaches alike to buy in and learn what we wanted to do. It has been really good, I have been very pleased with their attitude,” said Venables.
Change can be unnerving at times; this is something that Venables admits. However, the chance to coach and be part of the Clemson family is something that excites Venables, a coach who is always looking to improve.
“Since I have been here it seems like there is something that is new, it is the first time. That is exciting and a little bit unnerving. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t, that is kind of the challenge to grow from a professional standpoint. It has been really fun. The challenge of facing a new platform, a new stage is pretty neat, pretty special to be at a place like Clemson,” said Venables.
One of those unnerving moments will be when the Tigers face Auburn Saturday night. Auburn will be unveiling a new full time starting quarterback as well offensive coordinator. These changes have left Venables and the Clemson defense with numerous situations to prepare, however one thing Venables is expecting is a heavy dose of the run. “He has a very extensive background, he has been in a number of places. He has obviously emphasized the desire to run the football, in a variety of different ways.” Venables was very straightforward with his thoughts on how to prepare for a team with such uncertainty. “You try to find a happy medium, a balance of their bread and butter of what they are trying to do, and you go from there.” There is no doubt that heading into Saturday night; Brent Venables is excited to take the field for the first time as the defensive coordinator of the Clemson Tigers.