There’s nothing like a Swiss Army knife on defense and Clemson has a few of them.

As football has evolved, so has the archaic concept of positions that forced elite athletes to stay in one slot. Defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin knows how to use the tools at his disposal and that’s why this list is even possible.

Before we get to the list, I want to give an honorable mention to Peter Woods. He’s only played two slots on the defensive line, but odds are he’ll be eligible for this ranking after how he’s used as a sophomore.

No. 3: RJ Mickens

The veteran of the Tigers secondary, Mickens has lined up all over the field. According to PFF, Mickens played 257 snaps at free safety, 170 in the box and 92 in the slot.

While Mickens is often the last line of the Clemson defense, he’s also very reliable in run support and that’s why he’s been played in the box so often.

Mickens finished last season with 42 tackles and enters his fifth season with the Tigers.

No. 2: Barrett Carter

A freak athlete, Carter moved all around in the box as a junior. He finished the season with 62 tackles, 9.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks.

Carter’s mix of speed and strength allows him to play off the edge, as well as moving around at the second level. He’s planning to have a big season in 2024, and Clemson needs it after losing Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to the NFL.

No. 1: Khalil Barnes

It’s rare to see freshmen burst onto the scene and dominate how Barnes did. Goodwin asked a lot of him and he delivered.

He played 94 snaps in the box, 77 as a safety and 312 in the slot. Barnes also had some reps at cornerback in certain alignments.

A freshman All-American, Barnes was the only freshman in the country with three interceptions, three forced fumbles and a sack. Expect a big sophomore season.