CLEMSON – The Clemson defense will be losing its ringleader after 2023. Safety Jalyn Phillips is a team captain and fifth-year starter for the Tigers. He’s a graduate senior and it’s a key piece in Wes Goodwin’s defense that will need replacing.

On top of that loss, the status of Andew Mukuba and RJ Mickens for next season looms given the fact they’re NFL eligible. Tyler Venables feels like a sure return given that he’s missed the season due to injury.

Positivity at safety comes from the youth. Khalil Barnes was thrust into the starting job when Mukuba went down, and he’s passed the test as a ball hawk with two forced fumbles and an interception. Beyond him, it’s a developmental position where the 2024 recruiting class looms large.

Who’s gone

Jalyn Phillips (graduate)

Who’s NFL eligible and could go

Andrew Mukuba (junior)

RJ Mickens (senior)

Who’s likely returning

Tyler Venables (senior, medical redshirt)

Khalil Barnes (freshman)

Kylen Webb (freshman)

Kylon Griffin (redshirt freshman)

Rob Billings (freshman)

2024 recruiting class

Four-star Ricardo Jones (commit)

Four-star Tavoy Feagin (commit)

Four-star Noah Dixon (commit)

2025 recruiting class

Five-star DJ Pickett (offered)

Four-star Anquon Fegans (offered)

Four-star Martels Carter Jr. (offered)

Taking a look at the 2024 recruiting class, safety was a position Clemson honed in on and landed three four-star targets in Jones, Feagin and Dixon. Whatever comes of this year’s starters, the youth is evident and Mickey Conn will have plenty of talent to work with.

2025 is still a ways away for the Tigers in regards to landing a safety. With three offers, Clemson has a lot of work to do and we’ll see if they can match the success from the year before. Nonetheless, it’s no time to panic with potential losses because the fountain of youth is here for the Tigers.