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Clemson Football: Final Report Card for 2020 season

By Dante Pryor

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers looks to pass in the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 01, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers looks to pass in the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 01, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Overall Defensive Grade: B

This season the defense was not what it had been in years past. The defensive line was not as dominant as in the Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell era.

Xavier Thomas spent the season dealing with injuries and the after-effects of COVID-19. Freshmen Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy flashed at times and played like newcomers at times. The back end of the defense had holes as well. Senior safety and captain Nolan Turner also dealt with injuries.

Outstanding Defensive Performers: 

  • Nolan Turner, FS: 53 total tackles, six tackles for loss, three interceptions.

Turner was the anchor and leader of a secondary that had its share of struggles this season. Despite dealing with injuries himself most of the season, Turner wound up leading the Tigers in interceptions this season.

  • Baylon Spector, LB: 64 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks

Spector took on some of Isaiah Simmons’ responsibilities defensively as Clemson’s most productive blitzing linebacker. Spector led the Tigers in tackles, sacks and tied for most tackles for loss.

  • Myles Murphy, DE: 37 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, four sacks

Murphy, along with fellow freshman Bryan Bresee demonstrated the future is here along the defensive line. Murphy and Bresee combined for eight sacks this season. Murphy tied Baylon Spector for the lead in tackles for loss with 10.5.

Defensive Line: B

The defensive line played well, for the most part, this season. Freshmen Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy were stellar as newcomers anchoring a defensive line hampered by injuries. In addition to Xavier Thomas, sophomore defensive tackle Tyler Davis missed significant time this season as well. The injuries did allow some of the underclassmen to play. They did struggle against Ohio State, however, giving up over 250 yards.

Line Backers: B-

Clemson’s linebackers struggled in pass coverage and were often overwhelmed by teams with dynamic runners. Unlike seasons past, there was no Isaiah Simmons or Ben Boulware at linebacker. Baylon Spector did lead the team in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. Spector was an excellent blitzer and had a nose for the ball, but he (along with James Skalski) struggled against superior offensive lines and pass coverage.

Secondary: C+

The secondary and its lack of experience showed itself this season. No AJ Terrell or Tanner Muse in the defensive backfield this season, and their captain — Nolan Turner — dealt with injuries for much of the season. The secondary did well against teams that did not have dynamic playmakers on the perimeter. That was evident by the Ohio State game.

Special Teams:  C+

The kicking game was not spectacular; it was not awful either.  Clemson did not play a close game this season, so the kicking game did not matter much. BT Potter missed one extra point and five field goals. Aidan Swanson, Will Speirs, and Bubba McAtee combined to average 44 yards per punt.

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