CLEMSON, S.C. — As Clemson continues to restructure and refine its defensive backfield during fall camp, safety Jerome Carter III and transfer defensive back Corey Myrick are pointing to fresh leadership, mutual trust, and shared physical intensity as the catalyst for the secondary’s growth.
A major element of that development has been working under former Clemson star and NFL alumnus Nolan Turner, who has stepped into a coaching role for the safety group.
“Just like us, he learned as a coach. He definitely knows what he’s talking about. He learned the playbook just like us, so he just wants to be the best coach for us. He’s a player guy and he knows what it takes. Just him finding his voice and talking to us like he talked to us, that’s good,” Carter said.
Relatability and Nolan Turner’s Coaching Style
For Carter, playing under a coach who recently wore the same jersey and played at the highest level provides a unique sounding board.
“You always want to play under a coach who has experience playing the game, so you can go to him and talk to him about anything, and he’ll see where you’re coming from. But he’ll also correct you when you’re wrong and get on you when you’re wrong,” Carter explained.
When asked how he would describe Turner’s presence on the field and in the meeting room, Carter smiled.
“He’s a swaggy coach, but he knows what he’s talking about and he’ll make sure we get it. He doesn’t have to say something to us twice before we get it because he harps on things. That’s what type of coach he is. He’ll harp on that area. He’s a teacher. He’ll definitely teach you. Just him being him. He’s a young player just like us. He’s a young dude who just came out of the league, so he knows what he’s talking about. Does that make him more relatable? Definitely,” Carter noted.
Cohesive Defensive Leadership & Building Fall Camp Trust
Transfer defensive back Corey Myrick highlighted how Turner works in tandem with defensive passing game coordinator Thomas Allen (“T A”) to unify the entire defensive backfield.
“Very helpful. T A kind of runs the whole secondary, bringing us together so we can all be on the same page. We have meetings to make sure we’re on the same page, and them working hand-in-hand together to make sure they got it for us helps on the field,” Myrick said.
For Myrick, fall camp is the ultimate testing ground for establishing chemistry and proving versatility to both teammates and coaches across multiple spots.
“Everything. We were with them all day, 24/7. Just going out there repping both positions, showing my teammates I can do it, showing the coaching staff I could do it, building that trust with them,” Myrick explained.
Room Physicality and Lockdown Potential
Both safeties expressed strong confidence in the athletic baseline and work ethic of the defensive back room following grueling offseason sessions.
“We are a physical group. I knew Corey was a ball player. I knew (Hanafin) was a ball player when I came here. Everybody in our room is a ball player. Going through the spring and summer and seeing how they fight adversity with hard workouts like that, that’s a group that I want to be around. They’re just like me, hungry to play, so they’ll do anything for the team,” Carter said.
Addressing whether this secondary unit can evolve into a true lockdown group alongside corners like Ashton Hampton and Elliott Washington II, Myrick sees a high ceiling if the group stays on its current path.
“We got a lot of guys. If we continue to keep doing what we’re doing and building that chemistry in the secondary, we got a chance to be pretty good,” Myrick said.
