Clemson's future is already here at defensive back
Injuries plagued Clemson, like many other teams, in 2023. The wide receivers, offensive line, and linebackers all dealt with many guys being banged up, but no group felt it more than the secondary.
The worst of it came against Georgia Tech. Illness and lingering ailments left Clemson's defensive back depth looking bleak. With an up-tempo offense coming in, fans were bracing themselves for a shootout. Instead, a group of freshmen stepped up, with four players not even a year out of high school coming up with an interception.
Four freshmen Clemson defensive backs intercepted passes against Georgia Tech.
Now, with Nate Wiggins headed to the NFL, Andrew Mukuba and Toriano Pride Jr. in the Transfer Portal, and other players exhausting eligibility, those same freshmen will be in line for starting spots in 2024. All of their experience will be a huge boon for the Tigers.
It wasn't just injuries that got the freshmen class on the field. Khalil Barnes pushed for snaps from game one, racking up 34 tackles (5.0 for a loss), leading the team with three interceptions, and scoring a touchdown. Avieon Terrell played 321 snaps in 12 games, breaking up six passes and snagging an interception. Shelton Lewis broke up 6 passes in just 96 snaps and had a 42-yard pick-six. Redshirt freshman Kylon Griffin picked off two passes in just 149 snaps.
The ascension of these freshmen should make Clemson feel confident about filling the void left by the players departing. In fact, the play of this freshmen group may be part of the reason why some are leaving.
