Granted Mike Reed has to find replacements for All-ACC performers Jadar Johnson and Cordrea Tankersley, but the Clemson defensive backs coach knows he is in a better place this year than he was last year at this time.

Following the 2015 season, Reed had to find replacements for Mackensie Alexander, Jayron Kearse and T.J. Green after all three bolted a year early for the NFL. The good news to come out of that is that it opened the door for everyone else and provided solid competition throughout the spring and into training camp.

In the process guys like Johnson and fellow safety Van Smith stepped up and grabbed a hold of their positions early and did not let go, while the other corner position opposite Tankersley was never truly settled, but each player—Ryan Carter, Mark Fields and Marcus Edmond—brought something different to the table during the season and made plays.

And though he does not have to totally start over like he did a year ago, Reed said there will be some questions if guys like Tanner Muse, K’Von Wallace, Isaiah Simmons and Trayvon Mullen are ready to compete for starting jobs.

“It is hard to tell because guys develop differently,” Reed said. “Some guys may have an academic class that might turn the page for him football wise. So I don’t know.”

What Reed does know is that there is going to be a lot of competition. Muse, Wallace and Simmons will all be competing for Johnson safety position, while Mullen will go head-to-head with Fields, Edmond, Carter and Adrian Baker, who more than likely would have started in 2016 had he not torn his ACL in spring practice.

Brain Dawkins, Jr., Denzel Johnson, Korrin Wiggins, Amir Trapp and Nolan Turner will also compete for playing time in the spring.

“There is going to be a lot of competition. I know that,” Reed said. “I like what I have back there. It will be very interesting. They will all have an opportunity. They will be graded every day so when the spring is over, we will have guys that win out. I will name a starter for training camp and then when training camp starts we will go through that process again.

“What I’m looking for is consistency and to be in the situation where I will be able to play a lot of kids.”

–Photo Credit: David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports

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