Clemson Football: 5 returning defensive players who must step up in 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the trophy after his teams 44-16 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the trophy after his teams 44-16 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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COLLEGE STATION, TX – SEPTEMBER 08: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies is tackled by Tanner Muse #19 of the Clemson Tigers as he rushes in the first quarter at Kyle Field on September 8, 2018 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX – SEPTEMBER 08: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies is tackled by Tanner Muse #19 of the Clemson Tigers as he rushes in the first quarter at Kyle Field on September 8, 2018 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

3. Tanner Muse

Clemson has to have better safety play in 2019.

The Tiger safeties got a lot better as we got into the postseason, but it’s going to be important that both Tanner Muse and K’Von Wallace step up and play up to the level that they are capable of.

I’d like to see Muse get better in pass-coverage and truly progress in that area.

He will be a leader, possibly a captain, on that defense.

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