Clemson DC Goodwin Starts Year 3; Rumph Praises TJ Parker
As Wes Goodwin enters his third year as the defensive coordinator for Clemson Football, he’s much more comfortable in the system and the way he goes about teaching the scheme. Especially with new additions to the coaching staff like Defensive End Coach Chris Rumph.
“Going into year three, obviously, add Rumph into the equation, but I feel like everyone is on the same page. They all understand how I see the game, speak the game, teach the game. I feel like my expectations are that we take another step this year.”
— Clemson Sports Media (@CUSportsMedia) July 17, 2024
While Goodwin seems as confident as ever and wants to see improvement and growth out of his defense this year, by no means at all does that mean they had a poor defense last season.
The Clemson defense ranked top 25 in points allowed per game, with 19.9, top seven in yards allowed per game, with 278.7, and finished eighth overall in total defense for the 2023 season. They also had five defensive players drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft: cornerback Nate Wiggins, defensive end Xavier Thomas, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr, and defensive tackles Ruke Orhorhoro and Tyler Davis.
But, it wasn’t just veterans making plays on the field for the Clemson defense last season as safety Khalil Barnes, defensive end T.J. Parker, and defensive tackle (now potentially defensive end) Peter Woods all were honored as Freshman All-American in 2023. While all three had great starts to their collegiate career, Coach Rumph has high praise for T.J Parker’s development this past off-season.
“His game is really taking off, he gained a lot of weight in the spring… I think he got up to like 275 pounds. He was out of shape, I wasn’t happy with where he was, then all of a sudden he’s texting me pictures that he’s like 260 pounds. So I’m happy for him, his progression and where he is, sky’s the limit for this guy. Him and potentially Peter [Woods] on the edges, I can’t imagine two better defensive ends in the country.”
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