Clemson Football: Three questions about the defensive backfield

Can this talented group put it all together this season for Clemson Football?

On paper, this group is almost as deep in 2023 as the defensive line appeared to be in 2022. We learned from that group, however, that deep doesn’t always mean impactful. Injuries to key linemen last season held the unit as a whole back.

All four positions in the backfield are two deep with players we feel have the talent to be very good, but all eight of those players had moments when they gave up big plays to the opponent and/or had trouble avoiding injuries.

Depth should make a group good, but to be great, individuals need to step up and make an impact. Wiggins is positioned to do so. Mukuba has shown he has the potential. Mickens appears on the cusp of breaking through.

This group should be good. If the linebackers play as well as expected, and the line can remain consistently efficient, the backfield could feast, much in the same way players like K’von Wallace, Trayvon Mullen, AJ Terrell and Tanner Muse did behind ‘The Power Rangers’.

With the talent available, Wes Goodwin, Mickey Conn, and Reed will be expected to mold this group into a strength for the defense. The expectations and pressure will be on both players and coaches in 2023.