This week, ESPN highlighted defenses to watch in 2024, circling 12 units on the defensive side of the ball that could define the upcoming college football campaign (subscription required).
Among those defenses that ESPN named is Clemson’s, led by Wes Goodwin, who’s entering his third full season as the Tigers’ defensive coordinator.
Despite several key departures, Goodwin still has no shortage of talent to work with – including a crop of young stars, along with a bunch of returning veterans – as ESPN’s Bill Connelly mentioned:
Despite giving at least 285 snaps to four freshmen, the Tigers still fielded one of the best pass defenses in the country in 2023. Those freshmen — end T.J. Parker (11.5 TFLs), tackle Peter Woods (7 run stops) and corners Avieon Terrell and Khalil Barnes (combined: 4 INTs, 11 breakups, 5 TFLs) — were already among Clemson’s best defenders, and now they’ll anchor a unit that also returns linebacker Barrett Carter and safety R.J. Mickens (plus top-15 freshman linebacker Sammy Brown).
Thanks to a shaky run defense, Clemson slipped to 21st in defensive SP+, and there’s no guarantee things will improve up front with four of last year’s top five linemen gone. But there’s plenty of size in the rotation between Woods (315 pounds) and seniors Payton Page (315) and DeMonte Capehart (320) and lots of experience everywhere else.
Last season, Clemson’s defense tied for the national lead in takeaways (28), defensive touchdowns (five) and pick-sixes (four). The production in the latter two categories tied school records set in 1990.
The Tigers also ranked in the top 10 nationally in first downs allowed per game (14.2, third), opponent passing yards per game (173.2, eighth), yards per game (287.8, eighth) and interceptions (16, T-10th) in 2023.
Also among the 12 defenses that ESPN named are Florida State and incoming ACC team SMU. The Seminoles were tied for 18th nationally in scoring defense last season (19.3 points per game allowed), while the Mustangs’ defense ranked 11th nationally with 17.8 points per game allowed.
Clemson opens the 2024 season on Saturday, Aug. 31 in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium against a Georgia team that put up the fifth-most points per game last season (40.1).
A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available. Get yours while supplies last! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
