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Clemson Football: 5 keys for successful 2019 season

By Briley Hughes

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 03: The Clemson Tigers celebrate after defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies to win the ACC Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 3, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 03: The Clemson Tigers celebrate after defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies to win the ACC Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 3, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive end Austin Bryant #7, defensive end Clelin Ferrell #99, and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers celebrate following a sack made by Bryant against the Auburn Tigers at Memorial Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive end Austin Bryant #7, defensive end Clelin Ferrell #99, and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers celebrate following a sack made by Bryant against the Auburn Tigers at Memorial Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

2. Replacing defensive stars

Clemson’s defense in 2018 was stunningly dominant. The Tigers ranked first in points allowed per game, sixth in yards allowed per game, fifth in rushing yards allowed per game and second in yards allowed per play. These rankings include the extra games Clemson played in the College Football Playoff against the best teams in the country.

The catalyst to their soul-crushing dominance was the star-laden defensive line. After opting to return for a final season under Coach Swinney and proving their mettle in 2018, the whole defensive line was reward at the 2019 NFL Draft when three linemen were drafted in the first round. Later, in round four, Austin Bryant joined his former teammates by becoming the fourth lineman to be drafted.

Now, Clemson’s defensive coordinator Brent Venables must quickly plug in new players to fill the massive (literally and figuratively) gaps left by those now in the NFL.

Thankfully for the Tigers, Swinney has created a pipeline of talent which has been patiently waiting in the shadows for their opportunity.

Justin Foster, Xavier Thomas, Nyles Pinckney and Jordan Williams all have the talent and experience to live up to championship-level expectations at Clemson. If these young and unproved newcomers on the defensive line play to their potential, Clemson’s defense will be scary again.

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