CLEMSON – Clemson’s defense is going to be much different from last year.

Why?

Not only does the roster look different, or the skills of the players have developed, but there’s also a different energy. The intensity appears up, the commitment seems real, and, especially for the defense, there’s a different approach to practice.

The biggest reason for this change is new defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who came to Clemson from Penn State in January, His impact on the Tigers’ defense is already being felt.

“Coach Allen is bringing the energy to this defense like no other,” linebacker Dee Crayton said. “He’s a great leader. He sets the tone every day and makes us want to go hard every day.”

Before coaching at Penn State, Allen was the longtime head coach at Indiana. His energy on the practice field is on another level, chanting at his players, saying “nobody outworks the Tigers!”

Not only that, but also on the field, Allen shouts to his players and coaches, saying “Every rep, correct or praise.” Crayton shared what that means to him and the coaching staff alike.

“Coach Allen has brought everyone up,” Crayton said. “This whole facility. His energy, when he walks into the room, he just makes you want to go hard. He came here for a reason, for us to dominate and be the best defense in the country.”

With the Nittany Lions, Allen helped lead the defense to a No. 7 national ranking. Using the same system, he is building a foundation at Clemson that helped his Penn State and Indiana teams always be good and disciplined on defense.

Crayton is entering his redshirt sophomore year after earning 20 tackles in 154 snaps last season. This year, he wants to do a little bit more.

The new system of energy and fire that Allen is helping bring to the defense will be critical in Crayton’s and his teammates’ development.

“Really, every part of my game,” Crayton said of what he wants to improve on in the new season. “Emphasizing the basics, my fundamentals, my technique. The mental side of the game, being a better teammate on and off the field, being a better leader amongst my teammates, just every aspect. Contributing as much as I can and putting my best foot forward to help the team.”

Crayton and the ACC’s Tigers hope to improve before their first game against LSU on Aug. 30 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson.