Forget cautious optimism. Clemson junior cornerback Avieon Terrell is putting the rest of the country on notice with a bold proclamation: the Tigers' defensive backfield is coming for the top spot.
"We got a chance to be the best secondary in the nation, for sure," Terrell declared Tuesday after practice.
It's a confident statement from a player on a unit that had its ups and downs last season. But according to Terrell, a new season has brought a new energy, thanks in large part to first-year defensive coordinator Tom Allen.
'The Energy Grew a Lot'
The difference under Allen, Terrell says, is palpable. The intensity in practice is higher, the communication is crisper, and the entire group is feeding off their new coach's fiery demeanor.
"The energy grew a lot," Terrell said. "Just the way we are flying around, just competing out there, on both sides, it just feels good. So, he brought a lot of energy to this program."
That new energy has also coincided with Terrell's own emergence as a leader. The typically quiet, lead-by-example corner knew he had to step up after the departure of key veterans.
"I had to get out of my shell," Terrell explained. "I still lead by example, but I’m being more vocal now because I have a voice that can be heard now, so I’m letting it be known."
Trial by Fire
Terrell's confidence and the secondary's newfound swagger will be put to the ultimate test immediately. In less than three weeks, Clemson opens its season against an LSU team featuring a high-powered passing attack and Heisman-candidate quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
It's a trial by fire, and the perfect opportunity for the Tigers to prove their star cornerback's proclamation is more than just preseason talk. The world won't have to wait long to see if this secondary is truly ready to be the nation's best.