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Clemson Football: Three questions about the defensive backfield

By John Chancey

Sep 5, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers safety Andrew Mukuba (1) pulls down an interception over Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Nate McCollum (8) during the first quarter of the Chick-fil-A kickoff game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers safety Andrew Mukuba (1) pulls down an interception over Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Nate McCollum (8) during the first quarter of the Chick-fil-A kickoff game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Clemson Football defensive backs were up and down in 2022 and took some harsh criticism at times. There is a lot of enthusiasm for the group going into 2023. Pro Football Focus named four players to their preseason All-ACC team.

The Tigers are fortunate to have two super seniors returning in 2023, one each at cornerback and safety. All expected starters will have at least two full seasons on their resume, and multiple backup safeties have similar experience.

The depth is not as deep at corner, but the talent is there. Last year’s youth received on the job experience, and it will benefit them this season. Situations that were new last season won’t be unfamiliar in 2023.

Here are the roster expectations as we approach fall camp.

Cornerback

  • Expected starters: Sheridan Jones (+Sr) and Nate Wiggins (Jr)
  • Depth: Toriano Pride (So), Jeadyn Lukus (So), Myles Oliver (RS Fr), Shelton Lewis (Fr), Avieon Terrell (Fr), Branden Strozier (Fr)
  • Walk-ons: Austin Randall (RS Sr)

Safety

  • Expected starters: Jalyn Phillips (+Sr) and Andrew Mukuba (Jr)
  • Depth: RJ Mickens (Sr), Tyler Venables, (Sr), Sherrod Covil (So), Kylon Griffin (RS Fr), Khalil Barnes (Fr), Kylen Webb (Fr), Rob Billings (Fr)
  • Walk-ons: Bubba McAtee (RS Jr), Jacob Hendricks (RS So), Peter Nearn (RS So), Caleb Nix (RS Fr), Jaden Kinard (RS Fr), Boston Miller (RS Fr), Walt Smith (RS Fr), Brodey Conn (RS Fr)

Here are three questions about the defensive backs as we approach the new season.

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