As a freshman, Khalil Barnes just burst onto the scene, and rather quickly at that.

It started with an outstanding performance in his very first spring game and carried over into the season, as the first-year safety would quickly cement himself into a starting role in the Clemson secondary.

Barnes was a part of a freshman class that had high expectations upon their arrival on campus. However, with the team already out of the playoff picture after the first month of the season, 2023 became more about playing for pride and learning how to deal with unexpected adversity.

“Last year, there was adversity,” Barnes said on the The Players Lounge Podcast. “And it’s our first year here. We’ve been watching Clemson every year, we do not know how to lose. Being here for that, and I give credit to Ruke (Orhorhoro) and them. Ruke always instilled in us that we’re going to take ownership in the situation. But in my class, all I see is confidence.”

After the lessons of 2023, expectations are once again high for the upcoming season, as this Clemson team is looking to get back to the College Football Playoff after a three-year absence.

Barnes also has lofty goals for the backend of the Clemson defense. With talented young corners like Avieon Terrell and Shelton Lewis, along with fellow safeties RJ Mickens and Kylon Griffin, Barnes thinks the group can be among the nation’s best.

“To make the playoff,” Barnes said when asked about personal goals.

“I definitely feel like, guy for guy, if you’re comparing the whole secondary, we got a chance to be the best in the nation. Or one of the best, if not the best. We got really good coaches. But just depth wise, we got a chance to be the best.”

Barnes is coming off a stellar season that saw him earn freshman All-American honors after 41 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack and a team-high three interceptions. He also added six pass breakups, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He was one of three players in the country, and the only freshman, with at least three interceptions, three or more forced fumbles and one sack.

“My trainer, Ken Whitehead, he kind of was speaking it into existence. He said ‘you’re going to be a freshman All-American this year,’ while we were working in the summer,” Barnes said. “Then I was playing good in fall camp and injuries and stuff happen, because it’s football, so when you get you’re chance it’s about being ready. I am more than happy with how it worked out.”

And the way he found out he had been named an All-American is something he will never forget.

“I found out in an interview after practice, one of the reporters asked me about it,” Barnes said. “It was crazy because I didn’t even know it yet. First thing I did was whip out my phone and text my parents.”