The Clemson defense sported one of the youngest secondaries in the country during the 2023 season.
To say that the back end of the Tigers’ defense had to grow up quickly would be a massive understatement, but that unit turned heads with its athleticism and ball-hawking abilities. Now, with that experience and another offseason under their belts, the Clemson corners are ready to lock down opposing passing games with authority during the upcoming 2024 campaign.
Speaking with the media following the team’s first scrimmage this past Friday, Shelton Lewis and Avieon Terrell talked about their unit and what the secondary must do in order to maintain elite status in college football.
“We’re just trying to play fast, just teach everybody else what to do, and get everybody on one page,” said Lewis. “I just want the team to be tight. When we’re on the field the tightness of the team is going to come together and make plays so I’m just learning the chemistry of my guys.”
Shelton Lewis
Lewis certainly introduced himself with authority last year, recording two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and seven pass breakups in a reserve role. He, along with Terrell, saw their snaps increase late in the season and along with Khalil Barnes, formed one of the most feared young trios in the game.
Terrell spoke about the difference between last August and this camp with the cornerbacks.
“The difference (for me) is just being more of a leader,” he said. “Last year I was just trying to find my way in but this year I have to lead a lot more, so I’m just leading my brothers like Ashton (Hampton), Tavoy (Feagin), Corian (Gipson), and everybody else. So really, just being a leader. That’s the biggest jump.”
Avieon Terrell
Terrell, who recorded an interception and six break-ups last season, had the luxury of being mentored by veterans like Sheridan Jones and Nate Wiggins. Now, he has taken up that mantal with the Tigers’ newest generation of young corners from which he is just one year removed himself.
A big responsibility, but one he relishes.
“I’m trying to be better at being more of a vocal leader,” added Terrell. “I’m not a loud player, but really just showing my play and I come up to them one on one and talk to them. I just have to be better at, while they’re on the field, coming up to talk to them. Being more of a vocal leader.”
Avieon Terrell
Another of the Tigers’ corners who will be looked upon to contribute this season is Jeadyn Lucas, a former five-star prospect from Mauldin High School in Greenville County. Lukas has spent much of his first two seasons at Clemson injured but is now healthy. His addition to the fold, says Lewis and Terrell, will be a key factor in the success of the secondary.
“Having everybody back, us learning from him and him learning from us, it’s just good to have everybody back,” Lewis said.
Shelton Lewis
Terrell added, “It’s good having (Lukas) back because he’s been here longer than me. We talk about notes so it’s good to have Jeadyn back so I can hear him more. I really did get to hear him last year because he was in the training room so it’s good.”
The still-young Clemson corners are also being put to a big test in fall camp with a healthy wide receiver corps challenging them daily. Turning heads are freshmen Bryant Wesco and T.J. Moore, and their electric capabilities are something that Lewis says is needed as the corners prepare for elite passing games.
“Natural receivers,” he said. “Swift receivers, that’s what I see. Just people who are willing to grow and learn from their teammates, so I see good teammates.”
Said Terrell, “They really get off the ball. It looks like they’ve been here three years the way they get off the ball. “Good competition. I like those boys.”
Avieon Terrell
Lewis, Terrell, Barnes, and the rest of the Clemson secondary will face their toughest test right out of the gate when the Tigers take on #1 ranked Georgia in the season-opener on August 31st in Atlanta. Quarterback Carson Beck and the Bulldogs will be as tough a challenge as Clemson has faced in a long time, but the Tigers are readying themselves for an upset.
For Lewis, a Georgia native, beating the Bulldogs would mean a lot to him.
“That’s going to be the first game I’ve ever played in the dome (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), so I just want to go out there and execute,” said Lewis. “My whole family is going to be there, so just putting on for my family and this team is the most important thing for me.”
Shelton Lewis
And for the overall success of the Clemson defense in 2024, the Tigers’ corners will have a lot to say about that.
