CLEMSON – There’s no rest for the wicked, and in this case, the Clemson Tigers defense. Coming off a tough assignment with quarterback Sam Hartman, Wes Goodwin’s unit turns the page to another talented quarterback.

Georgia Tech is next on the docket with transfer quarterback Haynes King, who’s having a career year for the Yellow Jackets. After three years at Texas A&M, he’s made a massive jump for Brent Key’s team.

Dabo Swinney detailed the challenge that comes with King on Wednesday. Through nine games, he’s up to 2,330 passing yards with 22 touchdowns to go with 10 interceptions. That’s not where his biggest threat comes from according to Swinney, though.

“He’s a baller. Tough, gritty, loves to play. You can tell he’s a good leader. He’s a coaches’ son. He’s been around ball his whole life and he’s just got a lot of heart and grit. He’s second leading rusher on the team and they’ve got some really good backs,” Swinney said.

Clemson’s head coach emphasized King’s mobility and said he can “smell the grass” when he has a rushing lane and it’s going to be for “15 or 25 yards” if he gets loose. This season, he has 76 rushes for 545 yard and five touchdowns.

That’s 7.2 yards per carry, and he’s prolific on the ground. It’s opened up Georgia Tech’s offense, which is scoring 33.2 points per game.

“He’s made some big, big plays. Those receivers have made a lot of plays for him. I mean, they’ve done a nice job. He’s got a good little group…they force you to defend all the field and then with his legs, it puts a lot of strain on you,” Swinney said.

Mobile quarterbacks have presented some fits for the Tigers in 2023. Duke had Riley Leonard, Florida State had Jordan Travis and now King is the next challenge.

Clemson’s defense continues to evolve throughout the season, and the challenge may be its biggest Saturday in Death Valley with King and the Yellow Jackets.