Breakout candidates come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, forms, and positions.
The Tigers’ group this year with three or fewer starts could have a few players take their game to the next level. Maybe they missed most of last season because they were injured or unprepared and needed redshirts. .
Anyway, here are the top breakout defensive contenders by position for the 2022 season.
Defense: Kevin Swint
There is no harder position on the field to find a potential breakout player. The reason is that the Tigers have plenty of experienced edge rushers Xavier Thomas, Miles his Murphy and KJ Henry. But if anything happens to any of these big three, Swint is waiting for his chance to show that he’ll be the next decorated Clemson his pass rusher.
Swint transitioned from linebacker to defensive end in 2021, and the prospect of a four-star class in 2019 has had a season of gaining 239 pounds (around 239 pounds) to master the position. So this is my third year with this program. That’s usually when the light hits and production goes up. Swint’s chances of doing that are limited, but he’s a very deep piece of work, and in 2022 he could be a package specialist.
Defensive tackle: Tre Williams
Another position where talented players are blocked by other talented, more proven players, but Williams’ time is coming. Last year when Tyler Davis and Brian Bressey were sidelined by injury, he filled a big hole, started one game and played himself through some health issues to add depth up front. His valiant efforts came to an end late in the season when he finally underwent surgery.
The two defensive tackles above have carved out more meaningful roles, along with Luke Ohololo and Etinosa Ruben, but don’t let the 302-pound sophomore Williams, who has a lot of power for his age, do it. not. Already he’s had a year of learning, getting rep’s and getting in shape is great for his future, but if he hits the field long enough and stays healthy in 2022, he’ll be noticed.
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Inside linebacker: Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Clemson’s plan at middle linebacker is to rotate three key players at the position. LaVonta Bentley and Keith Maguire give him an edge over Trotter in terms of system knowledge and playing experience, but there aren’t many other Tigers on this roster who have better points than this sophomore of his. Not many. He recorded 22 tackles and his one sack in just his 59 snaps last season, spending most of the year contributing on special teams.
Trotter comes from an NFL pedigree and his speed will impress anyone watching him. The plan is to put him in this rotation, but anyone who doesn’t know anything about this guy wouldn’t be shocked if he was too good to leave the field. He may not lose that spot until his 2023, but sooner or later Trotter will become a household name.
Outside Linebacker: Barrett Carter
Carter is the next big thing at Clemson, much like Trotter, who came to the same 2021 class. I was going That’s because he’s one of the fastest, most versatile players on defense and Clemson is looking to find every way to use him in his 2022.
Carter scored a defensive touchdown and had 26 tackles last year as a freshman off the bench. He will be the starting pitcher this year in a hybrid role that helped create his NFL products, including Dorian O’Daniel and Isiah Simmons. Carter has a different physique than them, but his speed will make people around college football take note of him as the season progresses.
Cornerback: Nate Wiggins
You’re basically the definition of a breakout candidate when you’ve only played 130 career snaps but the quarterbacks you face every day actually call you the best cornerback in the country.Dabo Swinney and Mike Reed also have high marks for Wiggins, and he’s been one of the defenders to watch this season. Reed has coached some very impressive cornerbacks in recent years, including AJ Terrell and Andrew Booth Jr.
At 6 feet 2 inches and 180 pounds, Wiggins looks to be in the same mold. Coaches rave about the change of direction and his one-on-one defensive ability. Dubbo Swinney is going to be a big year for Wiggins.
Safety: RJ Mickens
He’s only started two games in his career, so it’s a name that gets lost in the shuffle at times. But Mickens has already shown big-play potential for Clemson, with him intercepting two passes in 2021 and his father playing in his NFL, so he’ll play at a high level. I know what it takes to Coming into his third college season, his usage is expected to increase significantly considering his size (212 pounds) and ball-hawking ability.
Andrew Mukuba got all the hype, but rightly so. Jalyn Phillips is a veteran waiting his turn and making big strides in leadership and productivity. These two will start the season with more buzz, but by the end of the year, Mickens will very likely be next-level attention. He needs more opportunities to show it.
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