If Clemson wants to right all of last year's wrongs, the entire Tigers team will need to come together. Dabo Swinney's program may be highly motivated, but none of that is going to matter if they do not make it happen on the field. While Clemson could be better than expected on offense, it may need some help rounding into form on defense. There are stars on that side of the ball, but role players must step up.
Fortunately, Tom Allen is an adept defensive mind calling the shots on this side of the ball. The former Indiana head coach is entering Year 2 at Clemson as the Tigers' defensive coordinator. While it usually takes two seasons for a new scheme to settle into place, Clemson doesn't have the luxury to bank on that happening. Allen's side of the ball needs to deliver. Who could be rising to the occasion for him?
Even if Chad Morris' offense does provide Allen's defense some lift, these guys have to be impactful.
Andy Burburija might be good enough to take Vic Burley's starting job
While this has not been a banner training camp for the Clemson defensive line, Andy Burburija has stood out in a big way. He has taken advantage of every opportunity put his way. The junior college transfer is not only pressing unreliable veteran Vic Burley for playing time, but he could conceivably take his starting job at defensive tackle. He has been blowing people up throughout training camp.
Admittedly, there might be a huge leap up in competition for the former Iowa Western standout, as Burburija now plays for a playoff contender out of the ACC. Clemson will be getting everyone's best shot. Fortunately for him, Burburija came to Clemson unconventionally, unlike how players normally arrive. This could help him buy into what Allen is saying and deliver for him along the defensive line.
Burburija was well sought after coming out of junior college, so Clemson should be lucky to have him.
Darien Mayo could learn so much backing up Will Heldt out on the edge
When Clemson is at its best defensively, the Tigers are wreaking havoc in the trenches and tackling everyone under the sun in the front seven. With two of their best leaders hailing from that position group, extended to linebacker Sammy Brown and edge-rusher Will Heldt, there is a lot Darien Mayo could learn from. He finds himself immediately behind Heldt along the defensive line out on the edge.
Mayo may have been at Clemson the last two years, but he has yet to register a sack to his name. All he has on the ledger are five combined tackles and half of one for a loss of yardage over 10 games. Now that he has crept up the depth chart, there will be more opportunities than ever for Mayo to take advantage of. Expect him to get his first sack with Clemson, and then some, during this season.
If Mayo is unable to be productive in his third season with the team, then we might have a problem.
London Merritt could be playing unencumbered football closer to home
London Merritt spent last season playing for the Colorado Buffaloes. The Atlanta native and former Woodward Academy standout spent the latter part of his high school career at the IMG Academy before committing to play at CU. Even if Clemson is a few hours away, being only a short drive up I-85 is much closer to home than one would expect. This could provide a breath of fresh air for Merritt.
A change of scenery can do anyone some good. Merritt was highly coveted coming out of high school. In years past, transferring to Clemson may not have been an option. Now that Swinney has lessened his stance on transfer portal usage, he may be rewarded for that by Merritt's great play. As with Burburija and Mayo, he will be a vibrant part of the defensive line rotation for Clemson this year.
Merritt came to Clemson to make an impact, and he will be afforded plenty of opportunities in 2026.
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