CLEMSON — Though the Clemson defense is expected to be much better in 2025, it still has a few question marks going into the new season.

The main one comes at safety, where the Tigers must replace R.J. Mickens, who is now playing for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers.

In the previous five years, Mickens played in 60 games, including 30 starts at strong safety. He tallied 229 tackles (13.5 for loss), seven interceptions, 15 pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in his Clemson career.

Last year, Mickens ranked third on the team with 85 tackles, including six for a loss. He broke up seven passes, had two quarterback pressures and two interceptions.

That’s production you just do not replace. There will be a drop off.

Though Mickens did not have a lot of post-season accolades, he had something that cannot be replaced – his football IQ. Mickens’ instincts and understanding of the game is what sets him apart from other safeties.

What are the Tigers’ plans?

Kylon Griffin will likely take Mickens’ spot at strong safety. A red-shirt junior, Griffin has been a frequent contributor, though he has suffered through a few injuries. He has played in 26 games thus far and has three interceptions to go with 36 tackles and two passes broken up.

Last year, Griffin played in 13 games, had 28 tackles and broke up two passes.

Also in the mix at strong safety is sophomore Richardo Jones. As a true freshman, he totaled 22 tackles while playing in 12 games and had one sack.

Jones has tremendous upside and the coaches like his raw instincts.

Khalil Barnes will likely start at the free safety position, though he could help at nickel back, as well. The coaches love Barnes’ athletic ability, however, he sometimes does not trust his eyes and tries to do too much.

They need him to play more instinctively, but within the system.

When Barnes’ trust his instincts and stays within the system, he is a ballhawk. In two seasons, he already has seven career interceptions, he has forced three fumbles and returned another one for a touchdown.

In his first two seasons, he has 101 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss.

Redshirt sophomores Rob Billings and Kylen Webb will also be in the mix at free safety, along with veteran Tyler Venables. Billings took a step forward last season, appearing in all 14 games. Webb appeared in eight games.

Venables, a six-year player, obviously has more experience, but injuries have limited him in years past and last year most of his play came on special teams. He played in all 14 games, as he tallied 14 tackles, one tackles for loss, broke up one pass and had one pass defended.

Overall, Venables has played in 50 games and has 88 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, four broken up passes, five passes defended and one interception.