Today we continue our series on the best players Clemson will face this fall. With matchups against Louisville, Miami, Notre Dame, Florida State, South Carolina and Georgia Tech on the schedule the Tigers face one of the toughest slates in the country.
So who are some of the best players the Tigers will see in 2015? Today we examine the safety position.
Deon Bush, Miami
How he did last season? He played in 12 games, started 11. He recorded 53 tackles and four tackles for loss. He also had two interceptions, three passes broken up and five forced fumbles.
Why is he ranked here? Some say he is the Hurricanes’ best defensive player, thanks in large part to his ACC best five forced fumbles in 2014. He has battled shoulder, groin and hamstring injuries the last three years.
Jamal Golden, Georgia Tech
How he did last season? Golden played in all 14 games last year, and started 12. He finished sixth on the team with 61 tackles, including 43 solo stops. He also tied for team lead with four interceptions, including one for touchdown, forced three fumbles and broke up three passes
Why he is ranked here? He was a third-team All-ACC performer last fall and is also considered one of the best specialists in the ACC as a kick and punt returner. It was his game-changing 85-yard interception return for a touchdown against Clemson that changed the course of the game, one of two interception returns for touchdowns by the Georgia Tech defense that afternoon. He also recorded five tackles in the victory over the Tigers.
Josh Harvey-Clemons, Louisville
How he did last season? He did not play last year due to NCAA transfer rules. In 2013, when he was at the University of Georgia, he tallied 66 tackles while starting 11 games for the Bulldogs.
Why is he ranked here? Despite his off-the field issues, Clemons was one of the best safeties in the SEC while at Georgia. He will bring that same kind of toughness and playmaking ability to a Louisville secondary that must replace all four starters. He is considered by some to be a possible first-round pick in the NFL Draft next spring.