CLEMSON – Clemson’s defense was its strength in 2023. Even with half its starters headed to the NFL, the Tigers showcased the improved returning talent in Saturday’s Orange-White Spring Game.

The 27-12 Orange win featured multiple freshmen making big plays. The returning talent were the stars of the day though. Here’s the defensive observations from Death Valley.

-Clemson’s defensive front made it a rough day for both offensive lines. The Tigers made 11 sacks on the day. Defensive tackle Stephiylan Green led the game with four. The Orange side had nine of that total, allowing just 180 total yards in the game.

-The linebackers flashed all throughout the day. With Barrett Carter sitting out the day, all the young talent flashed on the day. Jamal Anderson was the best of the day. He had a 24-yard pick-six on Christopher Vizzina. After he scored, Anderson celebrated with the dirty bird as his father once did. There was a second interception he made, but it was called back by a penalty.

-Defensive end Jaheim Lawson added weight in the offseason and it showed up in the spring game. He made two tackles with a sack off the edge. Lawson

-It took one snap in a Clemson uniform for freshman phenom Sammy Brown to get a sack. He looked comfortable next to Wade Woodaz in the middle of the defense. Brown didn’t hold back on fellow freshman Bryant Wesco Jr., either, flipping him after a catch.

-Woodaz is fitting right in at MIKE linebacker. He tied with Brown for a game-high eight total tackles. Woodaz also came off the left edge and batted down a Vizzina pass.

-Freshman cornerback Tavoy Feagin got first-team reps all throughout spring practice and it showed up Saturday. He made a strong play on a Wesco end-around, getting off a block and making the tackle. Feagin’s highlight came on a pass from Cade Klubnik, and he ran the route for Adam Randall who had miscommunication with his quarterback. Feagin made a 44-yard return to set up a scoring possession.

-Cornerback Brandon Strozier had a tough day with a couple bright spots. Hampton Earle drew a pass interference flag and allowed a catch later on the drive. He was later flagged on a facemask penalty. Strozier responded and made three solo tackles, including a fourth-down stop.

-It was a strong battle between wide receiver Antonio Williams and defensive back Khalil Barnes in the slot. Williams got the better of him on a slot fade, forcing a pass interference on the sophomore.

-Avieon Terrell and Shelton Lewis look the part as second-year starters. With the pass rush humming early, the duo were rarely targeted and rightfully so. Each had a pass breakup on the day.