In a nutshell, Clemson’s defense in 2018 is going to be pretty nasty.

With Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence, Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant all returning up front, plus the return of linebackers Kendall Joseph, Tre Lamar and J.D. Davis, the Tigers’ front seven will arguably be the best in college football.

But as good as the front seven is the back end of the defense is just as deep and just as talented. Even with the losses of safety Van Smith and cornerbacks Ryan Carter and Marcus Edmond, Clemson’s secondary is filled with former 5-star and 4-star talent.

At corner, the Tigers will have to replace the leadership and experience of Ryan Carter, who last year was perhaps their best shutdown corner. Edmond, missed the majority of the season, but his leadership was huge as well, both on and off the field.

However, Trayvon Mullen returns at one corner spot after playing in 13 games and starting 12. Mark Fields, who missed the entire second half of the season with a foot injury, is also back and will be the favorite to start at the other cornerback position.

“Those guys are still growing every day,” Clemson cornerbacks coach Mike Reed said.

A guy who grew up a lot this past season was freshman A.J. Terrell, who will battle for a starting spot in the spring as well. Terrell played in all 14 games this year on both defense and special teams. He had 15 tackles and broke up three passes. He also recorded his first career interception.

With Fields and Edmond banged up all year, plus Mullen missing a game due to injury, the true freshman got a lot of experience in critical situations and played well in doing it.

“Now he is battled tested,” Reed said. “He is not going to get in there and be all starry-eyed and things of that nature. He has been through it.”

Another tall and talented corner, who was redshirt last season and will also get into the mix, is LeAnthony Williams, who will have an opportunity to compete for one of the starting spots this spring.

The 6-foot, 175-pound freshman was one of the top cornerbacks coming out of his school in the state of Georgia last year. He was a consensus 250 prospect nationally.

In fall camp, and in junior varsity workouts during Sugar Bowl prep, Williams practiced at both the boundary and the field corner positions.

“He will be ready to go,” Reed said. “I have gotten to the point now where I try to cross train them at both positions. You never know with injury factors when you may need him. It is good to train him now because then it will become easier for him in the spring.”