Clemson secondary looks to be second to none

By Bob Wilson  |   Thursday, August 10, 2006  |  Comments( 13 )

Clemson Tigers
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The Clemson Tigers have a long tradition of fielding an exciting and stout secondary. Going back to the days of Terry Kinard and Brian Dawkins, and more recently Justin Miller and Tye Hill, the Tigers have usually had big names manning their defensive backfield.

This year there is an absence of well-publicized commodities, but that doesn't mean Clemson's secondary won't surprise some people. While most of the preseason praise is being heaped on the front seven, particularly All-American end Gaines Adams and All-ACC middle linebacker Anthony Waters, the defensive backfield could be the key to Clemson's defense.

It's clear that the front seven is being looked upon to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stuff the run, just as they did in the second half of last season. However, expectations are less certain for the secondary, which must replace two starters in All-ACC corner Tye Hill and free safety Jamal Fudge. While Michael Hamlin appears to have locked down the starting FS spot, the other positions are still open. Chris Clemons and Chris Russell could end up sharing the CAT safety position duties and Duane Coleman, C.J. Gaddis, Sergio Gilliam and Ray Ray McElrathbey all figure to be in the cornerback mix. While some coaches would prefer to have solid starters emerge before the season opener, and they still may emerge, others feel the competition for playing time in camp and overall depth the competition creates will be an advantage.

Whoever is back defending the pass with Hamlin should have plenty of opportunities for big plays. Now that the Tigers have a year of Vic Koenning's defense under their belts, they should be playing with much more confidence and reckless abandon. This season Koenning can send more blitzes and use more complex schemes, now that his Tigers will be reading and reacting, rather than thinking about what their assignments.

The light seemed to come on for the Tiger defense last year during the NC State game. Everything clicked defensively, as the players and coached were finally comfortable with the schemes. This year the Tigers should be comfortable enough to make opposing offensive coordinators squirm from the get go.

With the front seven causing havoc on a regular basis, the Tiger faithful should see some ill-advised passes heading into the waiting hands of the back four. If the Clemson defensive backs can provide a little bit of coverage and if Koenning's play-calling is as effective as it was the second half of last year, it could be a banner year for the Tigers' pass defense.

I expect the Tigers to be among the leaders in the ACC in interceptions as a team, if everything falls together as it should. If that's the case, a 10-win season should be within grasp. Although Clemson's secondary is not getting the hype that the front seven is getting yet, they could be what everyone is talking about by the end of the season.

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