Clemson has always been known for its creative defensive packages, and head coach Dabo Swinney teased that 2026 will have an even more "versatile" style of play.
He singled out sophomore Corian Gipson and the defensive “Lion” package. When asked about Gipson’s role — whether he was a safety or a nickel — Swinney explains he’s kind of a “safety” who can play the hybrid “Lion” role.
“He did some of that last year… situational personnel, down-and-distance sort of stuff,” Swinney said.
The goal isn’t complicated — simply get more speed on the field without sacrificing coverage. Swinney even joked about the naming conventions for their hybrid roles, introducing “Cheetah” as one more variation in the mix.
The 'Lion' package essentially turns a player like Gipson into the slot-linebacker, as it provides a "tighter" look that may disrupt the run while still being elite in coverage. This versatility is an asset given to a secondary that Swinney thinks is deeper than it was last year. With Donovan Starr (an Auburn transfer) and Jerome Carter III now at the center, the Tigers have the functional depth to try their hand at these hybrid aesthetics.
“Gipson will be limited in the spring after hand surgery,” Swinney said, “but the staff is eager to see how he converts his "elite speed" into an actual full-time role in the defensive rotation,” he added.