Why Falcons' AJ Terrell says brother Avieon at Clemson is 'ahead of me at every phase of football'

CLEMSON — Clemson football cornerback Avieon Terrell 's quick success may have come as a surprise to some but not A.J. Terrell , his older brother who plays for the Atlanta Falcons and was at Clemson from 2017-19.

"I feel like he was ahead of me at every phase of football at every age," A.J. Terrell said. "It's nothing new to me. Nothing he does surprises me."

Avieon Terrell became a starter for the No. 20-ranked Tigers (1-1) last year as a freshman and is now the team's top cornerback. In Clemson's 66-20 victory vs. Appalachian State on Saturday, he recorded two tackles and a career-high four pass breakups. He was one deflection shy of tying Clemson's single-game record set by defensive back Perry Williams in 1985.

He has allowed five catches for 79 yards and no touchdowns on 15 targets this season and has given up the lowest catch percentage among Clemson defensive backs, according to Pro Football Focus. The cornerback held up physically against Georgia in Week 1, playing 60 of 62 defensive snaps then logging 34 vs. App State.

"It's been evident when (Avieon) was 9 years old coming on campus (and) coming to 'Dabo Swinney Football Camp,'" Clemson cornerbacks coach Mike Reed said. "He was always out to prove himself, so it's nothing of a shock. It's good that he's getting an opportunity to do it and showcase to everyone that he's more than just being A.J.'s little brother."

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How Avieon Terrell is separating himself from Falcons' AJ Terrell

The Terrell brothers have followed the same path in their football careers. They attended Westlake High School in Atlanta where they contributed on both sides of the ball, then committed to Clemson. Both are physical cornerbacks who have a nose for making a play for the ball and not backing down against receivers.

Avieon Terrell is on the same path as his brother, but he is creating a different impact. He isn't as tall, checking in at 5-foot-11 while A.J. Terrell is 6-1. This difference forced Avieon Terrell to adapt, having to get quicker on his feet to compensate for his lack of size.

The Clemson cornerback also became a starter in his freshman year to help the Tigers win five straight games to close 2023, while A.J. Terrell didn't receive a start in his first season.

The brothers also differ in their on-field personalities. A.J. Terrell acknowledges his younger brother plays with a little more swagger than he does, while he is more reserved and lets his play speak for him.

"He's more of a 'rah-rah' cocky dude when he is on the field," A.J. Terrell said. "He don't really show it off the field, but when the lights are on the big stage, you'll feel his presence early."

Avieon Terrell has a tattoo on his right arm that says "humble beast," stemming from his relaxed demeanor and quiet confidence. Yet, when the Clemson cornerback makes an impact play on the field, that beast becomes loud and boastful.

"Ever since I was a kid, (and) I make a play, I get up with a little bit of more passion and more excitement," he said.

In the offseason, the Terrells try to have field and weight room sessions when their schedules align. Even if they can't train with each other, A.J. Terrell is a resource for Avieon, even reaching out to him after Clemson's Week 1 loss to Georgia .

Is there another Terrell football player coming?

Avieon Terrell comes from a family of athletes. His brother is in the NFL, and his two sisters ran track in college. Still, Terrell said there's another member of his family who will become a star.

"My nephew. He's 5 years old, but he's next," Avieon Terrell said.

A.J. Terrell's first child, Aundell Terrell III, was born in 2019. Avieon Terrell says his nephew doesn't have any offers yet but is confident he will when he starts playing football.

"I'm just hoping I'm alive then," Reed said. "I want to see it. I will say this, he's tough. He ain't got no fear."

Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Why Falcons' AJ Terrell says brother Avieon at Clemson is 'ahead of me at every phase of football'