Interview: Hamlin looks to lead Clemson’s young secondary

By Coby DuBose  |   Wednesday, May 02, 2007  |  Comments( 0 )

Clemson Tigers
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Clemson safety Michael Hamlin isn't used to being the elder statesman of the Tigers' secondary, but he's spent the last two years preparing for this leadership role. Since taking over the starting strong safety position six games into his redshirt freshman year, Hamlin has been the model of consistency and production. In his third season as a starter, the rangy athlete is looking to expand both his game and leadership responsibility.

Though he's only a redshirt junior, Hamlin feels like an old man in the Clemson defensive backfield. A quick look at the post-spring depth chart reveals a fact that has many Clemson fans both excited and apprehensive at the same time. There's a great deal of talent surrounding Hamlin, but there's not much experience. The 6-foot-3 200-pound safety doesn't seem to mind, though. In fact, he's embracing his newfound leadership role.

"It's a good feeling knowing that there are people looking up to you," Hamlin said. "At the same time, there is a lot of responsibility that goes along with that leadership position."

Since his first career start against N.C. State in 2005, it has been clear that Hamlin has set out to be a leader. He made six tackles in that Tiger win and went on to start every game for the duration of the year. Two interceptions helped Hamlin to garner freshman All-American honors and his dedication in the classroom landed him on the ACC Academic Honor Roll.

After another solid campaign in 2006, the Lamar, S.C., native toyed with the idea of declaring for the NFL draft. The draft advisory board informed Hamlin that he'd probably be a fourth- or fifth-round draft pick. Hamlin then made the wise choice, realizing that there's still a lot of work to be done while he's a Tiger.

One of Hamlin's primary tasks in 2007 will be helping blue-chip freshman safety DeAndre McDaniel in his development. Through only a couple weeks of practice, Hamlin already sees a streak of greatness in his young protégé.

"He's a good player right now with a lot of potential," Hamlin said of McDaniel. "If he works hard and maintains his focus, he can be an All-American."

That's quite an endorsement coming from a guy who's on the cusp of All-America status himself. For now, Hamlin's not worried about those personal awards, though. He's just doing all the right things to help Clemson's defense continue to improve.

"I try to make sure everyone knows their assignments and I also try to learn all of the positions so that I know what is supposed to be going on at all times in the secondary," Hamlin said. "I know it's up to me to help these young guys along."

That mix of football savvy, maturity and raw athleticism is what will help Hamlin to anchor Clemson's defense once again. If he can make everybody else a little bit better along the way, then the Tigers will be that much better.

Original Clemson Tigers coverage, courtesy of RealFootball365.com
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