When the majority of the nation’s top defense in 2014 departed from Clemson, the rhetoric of the spring and summer surrounded the question on whether Clemson’s young defense would be able to live up to the expectations that have been placed upon them.
They did as the Tigers finished 10th nationally in total defense and in the top five in several others.
But, just like last year, the majority of the 2015 starting defensive unit will be entering this year’s NFL Draft.
Clemson is losing the most talent at defensive back, in which three of the four starters—Jayron Kearse, Mackensie Alexander and T.J. Green—have decided to forgo their senior season to declare early for the 2016 NFL Draft. Although he only had one career start prior to the 2015 season, Green is earning some praise from NFL scouts.
The junior came to Clemson as the No. 18 player in Alabama and the No. 56 athlete in the nation according to ESPN. However, he was recruited as a wide receiver.
Green spent the majority of his time contributing to special teams before he became a starting safety, but the former wide receiver officially made the switch to the defensive side of the ball after the 2013 season.
In his first year as a Tiger, Green had two receptions and three kickoff returns for a total of 60 yards, while recording eight special teams tackles. However, once Green made the switch to safety, people started taking notice.
In 2014, Green totaled 24 tackles and an interception in 159 snaps over 11 games, while also recording a team-high 445 yards off of kickoff returns. Green’s first career start came when starter Robert Smith was ejected from the second half of the Wake Forest game with a targeting penalty. Smith was ineligible to start against Georgia Tech the following week, so Green stepped up as the next in line.
Although it came about in an unconventional way, Green’s first career start was vital to Clemson building defensive depth and experience for the 2015 season. Green also recorded his first interception against Oklahoma in the Russell Athletic Bowl.
The 6-foot-5, 205-pound athlete had a good first year in 2015 as he ended the season with 95 total tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss, which includes one sack for a loss of 10 yards. He had the second-most tackles on the team behind linebacker B.J. Goodson. Green also had three pass breakups in the 15 games he played for Clemson.
Green went from starting one game in two years, to starting every game in Clemson’s pursuit of a national title, and now he has been invited to the 2016 NFL Combine.