CLEMSON — What would the Clemson Tigers be without a formidable defense?
It hasn’t been the best season for the defensive unit, but there is a lot to be thankful for as a Tigers fan during this Thanksgiving week and across the entire college football season this year. One item of pride comes from the younger brother of an NFL star.
Avieon Terrell, sophomore cornerback for Clemson and sibling of Atlanta Falcon A.J. Terrell, has been a major impact player this season in his second year, with his stats backing up his play. Over the course of this season, Terrell is a top leader in forced fumbles, interceptions, and pass deflections.
Terrell was blatant and real when asked about his play and if he takes pride in his defensive coverage.
“I take pride in it,” he said. “Even though I don’t like when people catch it, but when they do and are able to catch the ball in tight coverage, I give them their props for making a good catch.”
It isn’t regular for opponents to make huge plays over Terrell, but he takes the chance to acknowledge it and grow in his play. A top defender for the Tigers, Terrell is considered one of the unit’s leaders and at his position, being compared to former Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins, who was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens last year.
A big game is coming up for the 12th-ranked Tigers, as they face No. 15 South Carolina at home in their last regular season game. Terrell emphasized the importance of sticking to his assignments in the upcoming rivalry game.
“Oh, it’s big,” he said. “Our Coach just teaches us to stay sticky if the quarterback scrambles, and if we are in man, stay on that man because he can’t get out of the pocket and act like he is running and throw the ball deep.”
Similarly, Terrell was asked about his general preparation for the rivalry game. He was brutally honest about how each game looks the same in preparation.
“Just the same as every game, you know?” Terrell said. “Just lock in, tune everything out, watch my film. It really is the same preparation.”
Terrell will prepare to head out confident and face the South Carolina Gamecocks this Saturday at noon at Memorial Stadium.