Rubbing the Rock
Fansided

Clemson Football: Trayvon Mullen listed as a starter at boundary corner

By Anthony Messenger

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 2: Players for the Clemson Tigers walk to the end zone during pregame warmups before their game against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 2: Players for the Clemson Tigers walk to the end zone during pregame warmups before their game against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

In the Clemson football program’s recently released depth chart for their matchup with Auburn, sophomore Trayvon Mullen is listed as a starter at boundary corner.

Dabo Swinney and his staff have constructed a roster full of elite talent in Death Valley. Clemson entered 2017 with the most deep secondary they’ve ever had under Dabo Swinney.

At corner alone, the Tigers go at least four deep. Veteran’s Ryan Carter, Marcus Edmond and Mark Fields are viable options; and youngsters, K’Von Wallace and Trayvon Mullen came on strong in the spring.

Despite the depth ahead of him on the roster, Mullen was able to lock-down a starting spot going into Clemson’s week two showdown with Auburn.

Thoughts

I am of the opinion that Mullen is the most talented defensive back that Clemson has. At 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, he has the size to cover big-bodied wide receivers, combined with the speed and agility to cover smaller, slot receivers.

Clemson defensive coordinator, Brent Venables runs an aggressive defense predicated on man-to-man coverage. Mullen’s size and technique will flourish in this attacking style of play. He has yet to log any significant in-game reps, however, he was a consistent force during the spring.

Mullen being named the starter is a reflection of his talent, rather than the lack-thereof for Clemson’s other corner backs. Players like Marcus Edmond and Mark Fields are more than capable of starting and will log a considerable amount of snaps in 2017.

See also: Clemson opens as slight favorites over Auburn

News of Van Smith’s apparent knee-injury broke earlier today. As such, it’s not surprising to see fellow sophomore, K’Von Wallace was listed solely at safety. Should Smith miss any playing time, Wallace has the ball skills and closing speed to flourish at free safety.

As I previously mentioned, Clemson has never had this amount of quality depth in the secondary. With Mullen starting at corner, the Tigers will have a formidable nickle package. Venables can insert Isaiah Simmons (6-foot-3, 215 lbs), Fields or Edmond.

Next: FSU QB Deondre Francois out for season: 3 things it means for Clemson

I’m interested to see how Auburn’s wide outs will fair against Mullen with his length and agility. My guess is, getting off the line of scrimmage will be nearly impossible.

Home/Clemson Football