After playing sparingly the last three seasons for second-ranked Clemson, Dorian O’Daniel is ready to start at strong side linebacker as the Tigers prepare for their Sept. 3 opener at Auburn.
The redshirt junior says the defense will focus on their game plan regardless of the questions marks on Auburn’s offense.
O’Daniel discusses preparing for Auburn, the versatility and depth on Clemson’s defense, Korrin Wiggin’s recovery and much more.
Question: How does it feel to finally start talking about and preparing for Auburn instead of the depth chart and summer camp?
O’Daniel: “We’ve spent the whole summer going against each other and we’re just really excited to get out there and start dialing in on game prep.”
Q: What do you know about Auburn and their offense?
O’Daniel: “They’re similar to us. They like the zone, getting the ball out to the sidelines quickly. It’s nothing we haven’t seen before and we’re just focusing on the details.”
Q: I know that Auburn still hasn’t decided on a quarterback or a first-team running back. Does that play into how you guys prepare for them?
O’Daniel: “Not necessarily. We know what they like to do and they’re going to apply what they do regardless of what we throw at them. We just need to focus on our game plan.”
Q: Has Coach Brent Venables talked about the three different quarterbacks and the three different elements they bring?
O’Daniel: “No, not really. We’re really just focusing on what they like to run and executing our game plan.”
Q: Coach Venables has talked about how confident he is in all of the guys on defense. When you look at the team while you’re preparing, can you talk about where you guys are at right now?
O’Daniel: “Yeah, there are a lot of young guys in the rotation. We’re just very fortunate to have a lot of guys in a lot of different positions that can go in at any time and perform, regardless of the position.”
Q: Who is working with you at nickel right now?
O’Daniel: “Me, Jalen Williams and Korrin Wiggins have all been getting reps.”
Q: What have you seen from Korrin as he has started to work his way back from a torn ACL?
O’Daniel: “He’s great. He’s back to himself, he’s sure of himself and I’m glad to see him back on his two feet.”