CLEMSON – Being thrown into the fire makes for a quick learning, and a Clemson freshman is taking advantage of that opportunity.

Cornerback Tavoy Feagin enrolled in January and he’s already taking reps with the first team according to head coach Dabo Swinney. He said “you earn trust in practice” and that’s what Feagin is doing.

Swinney was impressed by the freshman’s poise going against the starting group in the first full scrimmage, and he wasn’t phased by the spotlight.

“What I like about him is he’s not afraid. He might give up a play but he doesn’t go in a shell. He comes right back and I love that kid. He’s natural, he’s smooth. Just smooth in everything he does whether it’s backpedal, his ball skills, his positioning,” Swinney said.

The sudden increase in reps is a result of injuries in the Tigers cornerback room. Avieon Terrell, Jaedyn Lukus, Myles Oliver and Corian Gipson were all out.

Swinney said Terrell would have played in the scrimmage had it been two days later, but Feagin was thrust into the starting role. A four-star recruit out of Tampa, Fla., Feagin impressed in his chance and Clemson’s defense is better for it to have a freshman get these battle scars early.

“He likes to play so he’s getting a ton of reps right now. Ended up going with the ones today. (Avieon Terrell) was out today…it was good for Tavoy to get all those reps,” Swinney said.

As a whole, the defense was more competitive than Saturday’s scrimmage. That’s a good reflection on Feagin as he builds trust with the coaches. No matter where he ends up in the depth chart come the 2024 season, Feagin is getting the reps of a starter and will have the experience to step in when necessary.