Clemson safety R.J. Mickens has ambitious expectations for himself for the 2022 season.
Speaking to the media earlier this week, Mickens described his goals for his junior season this year. Along with recording at least six interceptions in 2022, Mickens wants to take home the Jim Thorpe award, given annually to the most outstanding defensive back in the country.
“Always dream big,” Mickens said. “There’s no one saying that I can’t do it, and I believe in myself that I can do it, just having that belief and that confidence to just go out there and make plays.”
Playing behind Andrew Mukuba and Nolan Turner, Mickens only started in two games last season but made the most of his opportunities when he was on the field. In 13 games last year, he was credited with 37 tackles (0.5 for loss), two interceptions and two pass breakups.
As Clemson prepares for its opening game against Georgia Tech on Sept. 5, Mickens has been cross-training at both free and strong safety during fall camp.
With Turner and Lannden Zanders no longer playing for the Tigers, Clemson’s safety depth has taken a bit of a hit since last fall, giving Mickens the opportunity to make more of an impact this year.
“Camp’s been good. It’s a marathon, not a spring,” Mickens said. “We’re getting better every single day.”
Mickens added that he has grown a lot from last year, adapting to the speed of the game and gaining more confidence and comfortability in his role.
Coming out of high school, Mickens was a four-star recruit and the No. 22 safety prospect in the class of 2020, according to 247Sports composite rankings.
In 23 games with Clemson, Mickens has had 373 career snaps, almost all of which came in last season.
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