Inside Clemson's 'Sandbox': Coach Reveals the Aggressive, Self-Motivated Mentality of His DBs

Clemson's cornerbacks coach Mike Reed pulls back the curtain on his defensive backs, describing them as "kids that play in the sandbox by ourselves".
Clemson cornerbacks coach Mike Reed speaks during Clemson football media day at the Poe Indoor Facility in Clemson, SC Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Clemson cornerbacks coach Mike Reed speaks during Clemson football media day at the Poe Indoor Facility in Clemson, SC Tuesday, July 15, 2025. | Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

CLEMSON, SC – Forget traditional team dynamics. According to Clemson cornerbacks coach Mike Reed, his defensive backs operate with a fiercely independent and self-driven mentality that he likens to "kids that play in the sandbox by ourselves." This unique insight came as Reed described the "great" intensity and energy of the group, especially since Coach Allen's arrival.

"Being a DB, you have to have those intangibles of, you know, being aggressive," Reed explained at Media Day. "You've got to be one of those kids that can, you know, motivate yourself and compete."

This "sandbox" philosophy highlights the individualistic nature of the cornerback position, where players often find themselves isolated in one-on-one battles. It demands a high level of self-motivation, resilience, and a competitive fire that burns within each player.

The aggressive, self-reliant mindset cultivated by Coach Reed and the new coaching staff is designed to prepare these athletes for the high-pressure situations they'll face on the field. It's a testament to the demanding nature of the position and the specific type of competitor Clemson seeks to recruit and develop.