Compete for a starting role on the defensive side of the ball.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney believes that’s a realistic expectation for safety Ronan Hanafin this year.

Swinney says Hanafin, a former wide receiver who transitioned to defensive back in August 2024, is progressing “really good” ahead of his junior season in 2025.

As Swinney pointed out, Hanafin has been seeing plenty of action in preseason camp, especially with fellow junior safety Khalil Barnes dealing with what Swinney called a “short-term” injury.

“Compete to be a starter. I mean, that’s a very realistic goal for him,” Swinney said of Hanafin following Clemson’s practice on Wednesday.

“He looks like a DB. He’s moving like a DB. He’s had a very good start to camp. He’s getting a ton of reps. Especially with Khalil being out for a little while, he’s gotten a ton of work.”

A former four-star prospect per multiple recruiting services, Hanafin contributed in a variety of ways at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in Massachusetts, beginning his prep career at cornerback but playing receiver and linebacker/safety for most of his career along with returning punts.

As a true freshman for the Tigers in 2023, Hanafin played 41 offensive snaps over 11 games in addition to his key role on special teams. Then in 2024, he finished the year with 13 tackles and a pass breakup in 89 defensive snaps across 14 games.

Swinney noted that Hanafin has had a couple of interceptions in camp this year.

“He’s just playing with a lot more confidence and just really a much smoother operator back there,” Swinney said. “Really understands what he’s doing more.”

Hanafin loves to hit. It’s one reason why he became a football player. In fact, he likes to hit so much that besides playing football, he played hockey and lacrosse when he was growing up in Massachusetts.

Hanafin has played on the kick coverage team the last two seasons and has been one of the Tigers’ top tacklers on special teams. Now, he is doing it full time at safety, and he loves popping the pads.

“He usually shines when you put the pads on and you start tackling people,” Swinney said. “He usually shines in those moments.”

Swinney added that the Tigers are “gonna need him” this season.

“He’s gotta come through for us,” Swinney said.