Clemson Football’s 10 Most Valuable Players in 2014

Nov 22, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Garry Peters (26) brings down Georgia State Panthers quarterback Nick Arbuckle (4) during the first quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerbacks can have a tough time distinguishing themselves on a defense. The mark of a great corner isn’t dozens of tackles in the stat sheet. It might actually be the lack thereof.

Garry Peters finished with 45 tackles this season, good for fifth on the Clemson defense. In his case though, the total tackles are a mark of a well-rounded defensive back.

Peters didn’t reach that total because he had to make a lot of plays in the open field. Eight of those tackles came behind the line of scrimmage. Two were sacks. Not only did Peters excel at blowing up plays in the backfield, he could get to the quarterback, as well.

Peters also finished with one QB hurry and a force fumble.

But Peters still did his best work in the secondary, breaking up passes and shutting down opposing wide receivers.

Peters defended 13 passes this year and broke up 12, which was the best on the team by far. The player with the second highest total, Mackensie Alexander, had only half as many pass breakups (6). Jayron Kearse had five pass breakups was the only other Clemson defender to record more than three.

Although Alexander looked like a future star as a true freshman this season, Peters will be very difficult to replace next year. Peters was rightly named First-Team All-ACC for his accomplishments in his stellar senior year.

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