Defensive Line: A-
Yes, the offensive line was beaten up and the no-contact rule on the quarterbacks potentially helped out the sack numbers. However, this defensive line is going to do what it usually does in the ACC: bring terror to the backfield. Ruke Orhorhoro (shoulder), Peyton Page (shoulder) and Xavier Thomas (foot) highlighted the notable inactives on the line, but they still looked just as good with usual suspects Justin Mascoll and Tyler Davis returning for another year. The absence of Myles Murphy, K.J. Henry and Bryan Bresee was certainly different, but this Clemson team has the depth to reload with talent. The biggest new face in Death Valley was Peter Woods, who looked as good as the hype has been for him. It will be interesting to see how he fits in and where on the line he goes. The biggest concern with this group will be injuries, but with everyone healthy, this group is a force to be reckoned with and exciting to look at.
Linebackers: A+
These linebackers are exciting. Despite losing Trenton Simpson to the NFL Draft, Clemson will have no problem reloading with the incredible duo of Barrett Carter and Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who showed their presence during the game. The two were all over the field and were two of the tackle leaders in the scrimmage. They will play like first-round draft picks All-Americans in the fall, guaranteed. Simpson’s open spot has plenty of opportunities for guys like Wade Woodaz and Khalil Barnes. Barnes is another mid-year freshman to watch, whether playing linebacker or safety, and was the hero for Team White in the spring game, picking off Christopher Vizzina for the go-ahead score. Redshirt freshman T.J. Dudley had a solid game, and he will be another face to watch in the future as he will play a larger role this season. Look out for freshman Jamal Anderson as well, who broke up a Cade Klubnik at the goal line which forced an interception. In whatever way this linebacker group lineups in the fall, I believe it is another top group in the country that the Tigers have.
Cornerbacks: B
Like all other aspects on the defensive side, the cornerbacks were another bright position for the Tigers on April 15. The grade is lower simply because of the lack of wide receivers during the game that was sitting from injury and injuries to cornerbacks such as Sheridan Jones (abdominal injury) and Jaedyn Lukus (shoulder). However, many of the corners picked up right where they left off. Junior Nate Wiggins had a vital pass breakup to set up an Andrew Mukuba interception that put Team White into the red zone. Sophomore Toriano Pride Jr. had three pass breakups and turned heads. He could have a larger role in the fall. Despite some struggle towards the end of the season, the cornerback room showed some promise in the game, holding all four quarterbacks that played to 333 yards and forcing important breakups to stop third downs. Despite some key names being out in the wide receiver room, the cornerbacks held their own and made key plays that allowed the defense to be the storyline of the game.
Safeties: A-
Despite some injuries to the safety room, it is exciting to see what is happening with this group. Almost every starting safety in the spring game had an interception. Andrew Mukuba has a new sense of confidence heading into the season, adding five tackles and a 40-yard interception in the scrimmage. Despite Khalil Barnes getting snaps at linebacker, he played phenomenally in the safety position as well. He could play anywhere on the field, making it interesting to see where he lines up at the beginning of the season. Kylon Griffin had a tied team-high seven tackles. A huge playmaker for the second-team defense was Bubba McAtee as well, who has the game-sealing interception for Team White. These Clemson safeties were all over the place, and they were missing two pieces in Tyler Venables (hamstring) and Jalyn Phillips (ankle). The performance of these Tiger safeties in the spring game not only shows the talent that these players have but the depth since they were missing two key players during the scrimmage.
