The Clemson offense might have taken a step back in recent years, but its defense has kept rolling right along.
When Brent Venables left to take over the head coaching job at Oklahoma following the 2021 season, there were questions regarding whether or not the Tigers’ defense would take a step back under Wes Goodwin.
However, during his first two seasons leading Clemson’s defense, Goodwin has proven himself more than capable. Heading into his third fall camp, Goodwin has really settled into his role on Dabo Swinney’s staff and he feels like his unit is in a really good place.
“I feel like we are in a really good spot,” Goodwin said at Clemson’s annual media day. “I feel like every day this spring we got better as a unit. We stacked a lot of good days together. Feel like all that momentum and chemistry carried over into the summer. The main thing is to get guys healthy and keep them healthy and continue to stack good days in training camp.”
While the Tigers are routinely known for having a stout defensive front, Goodwin really likes the speed and athleticism he has on the backend of his defense, touting it as one of the strengths.
“I feel like we are really fast and athletic,” Goodwin said. “Obviously, we got some big dudes up front but on the backend, the back seven, we are really athletic and can run. You either got speed or you’re chasing it.”
The Tigers added even more speed with its 2024 recruiting class, highlighted by 5-star LB Sammy Brown, and Goodwin really liked what he saw out of the freshman in spring practice.
“I think when he first got here, he was kind of swimming and just learning what to do and so forth and so on, but you could see in the spring the work came to fruition,” Goodwin said. “He really had a productive spring game. Eight tackles, a sack on his very first play, and every day he got better. Obviously, growing up around the game, being a coach’s kid, he soaks up as much knowledge as he can, can process things, and the sky’s the limit for him.”
A season ago, Clemson finished ranked No. 8 in total defense, No. 8 against the pass and No. 22 defending the run. This year, Goodwin is expecting more, and his players are fully bought in.
“I feel like everybody’s on the same page,” Goodwin added. “They all understand how I see the game, speak the game, teach the game, and my expectations. Hopefully we take another step this year. We finished eighth in total defense last year, so hopefully we can improve upon that. We’ve got a great room staff-wise, we’re all pulling in the same direction, and we have each other’s back. A lot of fun in there, but at the end of the day, those guys know my expectations going into the season.”
A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available. Get yours while supplies last! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
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