Clemson safety Van Smith does not feel as if there will be a drop off on the defensive side of the ball this fall, but he knows that doesn’t mean someone in the media isn’t going to say it.

In each of the last two seasons, the media has hyped the fact the Tigers lost eight and then seven starters respectfully from the previous two years, but in both cases Clemson’s defense finished ranked in the top 10 in total defense, scoring defense, tackles for loss and sacks.

As a matter of fact, Clemson had led the country in tackles for loss in each of the last four seasons.

So with the Tigers having to replace linebacker Ben Boulware, defensive tackle Carlos Watkins, cornerback Cordrea Tankersley and safety Jadar Johnson this coming season, he knows it is just a matter of time before someone claims the defense is going to slip.

“There is always going to be somebody that says, ‘Oh they lost this guy or these other guys’ so there is always going to be somebody that says there is going to be a drop off,” Smith said.

But despite the fact the Tigers lost 15 starters the last two years combined there have not been one slip up on the defense side of the ball. Why?

“I think everybody here loves to compete and they bring in players that want to compete,” Smith said. “Every day your job is in jeopardy so you have to come out here every day and ball out.”

Smith also credits defensive coordinator Brent Venables for that as well.

“Everything he teaches us is step by step and if you do it wrong … and sometimes he will not be looking, and he sees that you did it wrong because he knows the defense so well,” Smith said. “He will pull you aside in the film room and will tell you this is how you are supposed to do it and he will fix the problem right then and there.”

Smith says Venables is a great coach and does an outstanding job explaining what he is trying to coach to a player.

“Even in game situations, we come in with a game plan, but he will have to change it and he will explain it,” the strong safety said. “The offense is always changing what they are doing so we always have to change what we are doing.”

The Tigers will resume spring practice on Monday at the Poe Indoor Practice Facility in Clemson. They have had the last week off for spring break.

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