If you were impressed with the way Clemson’s defense played in last week’s victory over Wofford, then you are really going to like them later in the season.
Despite playing 12 new players on defense, 10 of which were first-year and redshirt freshmen, the Tigers held the Terriers’ triple-option rushing attack to 123 yards and just 2.7 yards per carry.
“We are just one game in and we played an opponent that really had a challenging scheme even though we are certainly more talented. But it was still good to see our guys play with the discipline and with the precision they executed with last week,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said during Wednesday’s ACC coaches teleconference. “As I have said several times, our first group, I think can really line up and play at a really high level. I think we are all confident as coaches in that group.”
The second and third team is still a work in progress, but Swinney liked what he saw out of some of his young talented players in fall camp and then on the football field against Wofford last Saturday. Guys like freshman defensive tackle Jabril Robinson, who had eight tackles, including one tackle for loss. Sophomore defensive tackle Scott Pagano, who started and totaled seven tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage.
Freshman defensive tackle Christian Wilkins also had six tackles and one tackle for loss, while freshman defensive end Austin Bryant had five tackles.
“We are not thin on talent, but we are thin on experience behind that first group,” Swinney said. “The big thing about last week, when you ask where are we, we are further along than we have been because we got a bunch of guys some game experience that they did not have.
“The only way you are going to get better is to go play. We can only practice so much.”
The 12th-ranked Tigers, who will host Appalachian State this Saturday in Death Valley, were fortunate the first team offense and defense came out and snatched control of the game. The Tigers took a 35-0 lead in the second quarter and then cruised pretty much the rest of the way while playing their backups on both sides of the ball.
But the experience the young defensive players got was the most beneficial between the two units.
“I think that was a big, big shot in the arm for us,” Swinney said. “As you know, you are not always guaranteed that going into a game and it just worked out. We were able to get control of the game, a lot of guys were able to play and that allows us to accelerate their growth. That’s the biggest thing for us, developing that depth. So hopefully we will continue to grow some guys up.”
Guys like Pagano, who is a sophomore, but played very little before last Saturday.
“He is going to continue to get better each and every week,” Swinney said. “I’m pleased with where they are, but we are nowhere near where we will be come November. As long as we stay committed to the way we prepare, and guys are doing the right thing each and every week … film study practice habits, coach ability, then they are going to improve. We definitely have good talent over there.”