Clemson Football moved up to No. 9 in the AP Poll this week, handily taking care of the Virginia Cavaliers 48-31. The starters of the Clemson defense played great, holding Virginia to just 17 points heading into the last eight minutes of the fourth quarter. The backup’s didn’t play as great, allowing a 14 point scoring output to end the game. This being said, here are the defensive position grades from Week 8.
Safeties: B+
RJ Mickens continued his notable final season with Clemson, allowing just two yards all game in the slot and CB position. He additionally showed the versatility he brings per usual, recording five tackles and a tackle for a loss. Mickens has been the highlight of this position all year and the veteran doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.
Khalil Barnes had an impressive game racking up six tackles but still showed flaws in coverage occasionally. However, he doesn’t play aligned in the slot as often as he did throughout this ACC matchup. True freshman Ricardo Jones has had similar problems but should improve with experience and has already made a few highlight plays in his short collegiate career.
Cornerbacks: B+
Yet again, Avieon Terrell found a way to shine against the Cavaliers, recording a pass deflection and letting up just seven yards in coverage. He stood out in the run-stopping game early as he landed his first sack of his collegiate career on a disguised blitz play that forced a fourth and long.
Jeadyn Lukus had a solid performance, totaling three tackles and a pass deflection but did get out played a few times throughout the game, allowing a lot of yards after the catch. Fortunately, he’s shown a big improvement in tackling since his start to the season, seemingly shaking the rust off as the season goes on.
Red-shirt freshman Branden Strozier struggled in his limited snaps as he fell for a double move on a route, leading to a 65-yard touchdown. The young corner won’t get serious playing time in competitive games so it’s good for him to get experience now but he needs to show improvement as this isn’t the first time he’s struggled in limited playing time.
Linebackers: B-
Wade Woodaz was everywhere on Saturday, leading the team in tackles with seven. In addition, he had a sack, tackle for a loss and a pass deflection. The hybrid linebacker has looked elite and has steadily shown off his true instincts for the game.
In just 20 snaps played, Sammy Brown made an instant impact for the second-string defense racking up three tackles, a sack and a tackle for a loss. The young stud continues to live up to his hype and impress all Tiger fans.
Star backer Barrett Carter had arguably his worst game of the season mainly due to his poor play in coverage. He was beat on an 8-yard out route for a touchdown in the second quarter and then burnt over the top of the middle by Virginia WR Malachi Fields for a 44-yard touchdown late in the contest. Nevertheless, he still finished with three tackles and a pass deflection.
Defensive Line: A
The dynamic duo of Peter Woods and TJ Parker is officially back in business it appears as the two combined for six tackles, a sack, two tackles for a loss, two hurries and a QB hit.
Senior DeMonte Capehart has been extremely consistent this season and kept it that way against Virginia, recording three tackles and a hurry. He was a huge reason as to how this defensive line kept the run game contained.
The run defense has been heavily improved since Peter Woods came back as the Tigers have held opposing teams to just 59 rushing yards per game since his return to the field. For reference, in his two games missed, the Clemson defense averaged 207.5 rushing yards allowed. Now that is why Woods is already an impact player at such a young age.
