Clemson football: Defense expected to be nation’s best in 2022

There have been many takes on what Clemson football will put on the field defensively in 2022, mainly because of the loss of defensive coordinator Brent Venables.

That’s a fair question given what the Clemson defense was before Venables arrived in Tiger Town.  As I mentioned last week, some “analysis” of the 2022 Tigers include 0 about a defense that’s  expected to be the best in the nation in the coming season, at least by ESPN.

This team will miss Venables for sure, but what’s not for sure is how will that be manifested when the games begin. Energy? In game play calling? Adjustments?  Who knows?

What we do know, and as the ESPN clearly articulates, is that the Tigers have plenty returning to make life miserable for opponents.

"The unit loses two outstanding cornerbacks (Mario Goodrich and Andrew Booth Jr.), mainstays at linebacker (James Skalski, Baylon Spector) and longtime coordinator Brent Venables. Still, the outlook remains extremely promising. Clemson’s defensive line has been a strength through the CFP era and will remain that way, especially in 2022 as All-America candidates Bryan Bresee, Tyler Davis and Myles Murphy all return. The line got a bonus boost as end Xavier Thomas, a two-time third-team All-ACC selection, is back for one final season. There’s veteran depth at end with seniors K.J. Henry and Justin Mascoll, who last season combined for seven sacks and 15 quarterback pressures. Tackle Ruke Orhorhoro in 2021 had 42 tackles, eight for loss, and should continue to add playing time, along with classmate Etinosa Reuben, sophomore Payton Page and others."

New defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin has plenty of depth up front and plenty of talent at the second and third level to compete, in fact enough so that this ranking has them ahead of Georgia (and everyone else).

There are a lot of factors that go into which team ultimately has the top defense when the season ends, injuries being one that stands out.

Also, I think it’s fair to question Goodwin’s pedigree a bit, at least as far as on field coaching goes.  The players have universally praised him, but what other option do they really have?

The proof will be when the season starts, the ball is kicked off and everything until then is speculation.

What’s not speculation though, is that the Tigers have the talent to be one of the best in the nation on the defensive side of the ball in 2022.