Clemson Football: Sheridan Jones, Jalyn Phillips set to return

About a week ago, Clemson football fans were “teased” with the news that some surprising names were either planning to return for 2023 or at least considering the idea.

That was welcomed news with announcements of Trenton Simpson and Myles Murphy before the Orange Bowl that both were headed to the NFL.

Then Bryan Bresee and K.J. Henry announced they were both leaving and that made me wonder, what happened to these guys that were staying?

Thursday brought some good news though, as both cornerback Sheridan Jones and safety Jalyn Phillips both announced intentions to return to Clemson for the 2023 season.

Jones missed the Orange Bowl due to injury and previously accepted an invite to a All-Star game, which he now will not participate in since he plans to return to Clemson.

This past season, Jones totaled 27 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry across the 10 games he played in.

In his career Jones has 83 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss, 9 pass breakups, 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery in 48 games.

Jones will join returning corners  Nate Wiggins, Toriano Pride Jr. and Jeadyn Lukus in providing quality depth at the position.

Jones earned his degree in Communication in August of 2022.

Phillips has152 career tackles, including 3 tackles for loss, 9 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 51 games.

Phillips started all 14 games in 2022, started all 14 games and finished second on the team in tackles with 82, including 1.5 tackles for loss, 4 pass breakups, an interception and a fumble recovery.

Phillips earned a degree in Communication in December of 2022.

With their roster in flux, Clemson football got good news with the return of two defensive backs

Most college football rosters are in a state of flux at the moment with players having until January 16th to declare for the NFL Draft and transfer and NIL decisions up in the air for many.

For now at least, it looks like the Clemson defensive backfield will be in good shape headed into to 2023, with the return of two veteran, talented players, along with the other returning members of the secondary.