Clemson Football: 10 Best Defensive Players

Clemson Football: 10 Best Defensive Players – Of the 80’s

By Ben Greeson | May 25, 2016

Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is sacked on the 2 yard line against Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) and safety Jayron Kearse (1) during the first quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers players huddle before the 2015 CFP Semifinal against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Rod McSwain

Cornerbacks, in the early 80’s were not like the cornerbacks today. Yes, they were expected to cover wide receivers but they were basically linebackers who were lined outside of the eight man box.

The reason being, most teams did not throw the ball that much. The wish-bone, the single wing, the flex bone, and the I-Formation dominated the early part of the 80’s so cornerbacks had to play more run support than they had to play the pass.

Rod McSwain not only excelled in the double duty, he mastered it.

McSwain was a lock down cornerback from Caroleen, NC. He had the size to play linebacker, but was fast enough to play corner.

McSwain was taken in the 3rd round of the 1984 draft by the Atlanta Falcons, who then traded him to New England. He enjoyed a 6-year career with the Patriots where he had 6 career interceptions and a multitude of pass break ups and tackles.

It’s hard to find highlight film on McSwain, because the majority of his career was played under a television ban, due to probation.

Next: Chester McGlockton

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