CLEMSON – A strong freshman season isn’t leading to a big head for Clemson safety Khalil Barnes. If anything, it’s the opposite.

Barnes was the hero in the rivalry win over South Carolina. He opened the game with takeaways on back-to-back snaps, the first being a 42-yard scoop and score.

That was part of a freshman All-American season he finished with 38 total tackles, nine pass breakups, three forced fumbles and three interceptions. It’s easy to be confident for Barnes now and he admitted that he felt the love after the season.

After that win over the Gamecocks, he would go out and fans would approach him and compliment his performance. Barnes said that he “loves the Clemson fans,” but there’s one clear reason why he’s not getting too big of a head

“Just go watch that Kentucky film,” Barnes said.

In that game, the Tigers surrendered 306 passing yards and had multiple blown coverages. It’s something that Barnes took personally. While it may be seen as a negative, he’s taking it as a learning opportunity and a chance to get better with this young group.

“We were on a high. I think in November, we were like the number one past defense so we were definitely on a high and then just losing guys like Nate (Wiggins), (Andrew Mukuba) went to the portal who were key parts to that and having to step up. It’s what we needed because it’s what we’ll have to be with this year so it helped us understand we got to work…that game was good for our secondary,” Barnes said.

Headed into 2024, Barnes knows he needs to be a leader this season. While there’s players like linebacker Barrett Carter taking that leadership role, Barnes’ play has given him the opportunity to lead.

As this group develops, Barnes is a key part of the secondary and a second year jump would take Clemson’s defense up a notch.