CLEMSON — It’s safe to say that the 2024 season is going differently for a certain Clemson defender than expected.
Shelton Lewis, a sophomore cornerback out of Stockbridge, Ga., earned two interceptions in his freshman campaign for Clemson and is now trying to make more of an impact on the Tigers’ defense. It was a harder start towards that, however, as he was kept out of the first game against Georgia due to a knee injury.
Not only has it been a challenge and experience to recover and adapt from his injury, Lewis found himself playing the nickel position for the first time in the Appalachian State game.
“I’m just kinda getting used to it and just going out there,” he said of his knee brace. “Just still playing my game, not letting it affect me, so it ain’t a burden on me.”
Regardless of the knee brace he had to wear against Appalachian State, Lewis was able to get out on the field and help the Clemson defense. A bunch of his snaps, however, were at the nickel position, which differed from his standard position of cornerback.
“I’m just trying to fit my best way in to play for this team,” he said. “Wherever they need me at, I feel like I’m willing to play that position, so if they need me at nickel, I was willing to go in and play nickel.”
Even with the adjustment to a new spot on the field, Lewis performed well, posting two pass deflections on the day.
“It felt good,” he said. “Just the preparation, just leading up to me playing that game, I just say the way we practice helped me go out there and play confident.”
Not only does his time at a new position force Lewis to get more practice and learn more, it also gives him an opportunity to show parts of his game that he hasn’t displayed yet for the world to see.
“I feel like I can run with anybody,” he said. “Me being able to be versatile and playing corner, being physical, I think playing in that position, I can bring a lot to the table. I can showcase that more at that position.”
Lewis will hope to show more of his stuff against NC State on Saturday (noon, ABC).