The way Cordrea Tankersley sees it he isn’t the guy who has to be the next Mackensie Alexander. Instead, he is just like all the other cornerbacks on Clemson’s roster. He has to work hard and grind with the rest of them to become the type of player Alexander was in the Tigers’ secondary.

But the good news for Clemson is Tankersley is a proven veteran who has taken on the best in the country, and has succeeded. Last year, he had five interceptions and broke up 11 passes as part of secondary that yielded just 187.7 yards per game, while allowing opponents to complete just 48.5 percent of their passes.

“I really don’t pay attention to that at all. I have to start over every year,” Tankersley said following Wednesday’s practice. “I don’t look at it as I don’t have Mac here and I have to be the guy this year. I have to start over every year.

“They are going to throw the ball wherever you are. It does not matter who you are. I just try to focus on that and try to get better every day and try to get these young guys to step up a little bit. They are doing a great job so far, but we all have to start at some point.”

So far, through the first two days, Tankersley has battled against Clemson’s best. He has had his moments trying to cover Mike Williams, Artavis Scott and Deon Cain. He has won a few of the battles and has lost some others, but practicing against All-ACC caliber wide receivers is helping him become one of the best corners in the country.

“I go against the best every single day, Mike Williams, Artavis Scott, Ray Ray McCloud, it doesn’t get any better than that,” Tankersley said. “I look forward to the challenge every single day. I know it will make me better. I don’t have to worry about going against anyone else because they prepare me well for it.”

Playing against the best is why Tankersley came to Clemson in the first place.

“I came to a top program like this to compete against the best and you want to beat the best,” he said. “I go against the best every day so nothing is going to overwhelm me when I play at Florida State or I play North Carolina. I just go out there and compete every day and just get better with my technique.”

Tankersley knows what he is going to get at practice when he goes up against Williams, Scott or Hunter Renfrow, but the guy he has really noticed a change in is Cain.

“I see a real focused Deon, who is ready to compete and follow in Mike’s footsteps. He is going out and grinding every day,” Tankersley said. “He has gotten a second chance and he is taking advantage of it. He is more physical. He is faster. I’m proud of him.”