While there's excitement around Clemson's defense, Coordinator Tom Allen isn't shying away from identifying areas that need significant improvement. At Media Day, Allen pinpointed the safety position as the "least proven" part of his unit, acknowledging it as his "biggest question about the back end of this team."
"We got more guys in the box that have probably been productive and made plays," Allen explained. "The safety position would be the one that kind of sticks out."
However, Allen quickly highlighted the immense potential within the group, particularly in Khalil Barnes. "Khalil Barnes, to me, can be as good as he wants to be. He's our most versatile guy, can play a lot of positions, can play the high safety position, can play the Tiger, which is the nickel, can even play corner if he needed to." Allen has challenged Barnes to reach his "still... more for him to go to as a player," and noted his "awesome" response and hard work this summer.
Ronan Hannafin is another key player, despite limited reps last year. "It's a safety position moving over from wide receiver. Got a ton of reps in the spring. This fall camp's going to be massive for him to get him ready."
Allen stressed that while the talent is there, the safeties must respond to coaching and "make plays" when given the opportunity. The competition within the room is fierce, with "no set positions right now. Guys got to earn it, you know, during practice." For Clemson's defense, the success of the back end will hinge on these unproven talents stepping up and solidifying the safety position.