It is no secret No. 10 Clemson graduated a lot of talent from the defensive unit that ended the 2014 season as the best in the nation. Because of that, many untested, yet talented athletes have had the opportunity to step up to take on larger roles this season. One of those athletes is cornerback Ryan Carter.

With Garry Peters and Martin Jenkins gone, Clemson needed to find a player to cover the corner on the opposite side of Mackensie Alexander. Throughout spring practice and fall camp, the remaining talent competed hard to claim the spot. Cordrea Tankersly ultimately won the starting role, but Carter has been given opportunities show how far he has come in all three games so far this season in the nickel back role.

Carter had his best game when the Tigers traveled to Louisville and defeated the Cardinals last Thursday night. He completed four solo tackles that night, which was more than he had at the end of last season.

“It feels great just to see some of my hard work paying off. It was definitely a new experience being on the road and not playing in front of the home crowd,” Carter said.

The redshirt sophomore had been gaining praise from the coaching staff, and Carter credits his veteran teammates for helping to push him to become the best athlete he can be

“They push me a lot,” Carter said “It’s helping me to get where I’m at right now.”

It also helps that he has a great relationship with longtime teammate, Wayne Gallman. Carter and Gallman played together at Grayson High School alongside backup quarterback Nick Schuessler.

“We have a great relationship, just being from the same high school and understanding the game. We have a great relationship on and off the field,” Carter said. “He’s definitely one of my brothers.”

Carter said that even in high school, he knew Gallman would turn out to be the player he is today and it motivates him to see his teammate’s hard work pay off.

“He’s worked hard for where he’s at right now. Being his teammate, and just seeing how much he has improved into becoming a real full, complete running back, its just great to see him reaping the benefits of his hard work,” Carter said. “He’s definitely excelling really good right now, so it’s great to see that.”

So far this year, Carter has recorded five solo tackles and one assist, and he hopes he can have the opportunity to continue to improve as the season goes on. The defensive backs are going to be tested when Notre Dame enters Death Valley on Oct. 3 with star receiver Will Fuller.

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said Fuller was one of the best receivers he has seen on tape, and he has already told Alexander he will be going up against his toughest opponent that Saturday night. However, Venables also mentioned Alexander will not be the only player in charge of covering him the All-American candidate.

“It’s going to be a challenge,” Carter said. “But I have no doubt that you know, the corners that we have, we’ll be able to be fine in the type of covers that we’ll play against them.”