Tag: Brent Venables

Notebook: Day 1 observations of Clemson’s defense

Clemson opened fall camp on Friday in high spirits in preparation for the 2021 season. The media was allowed to observe the entirety of the opening practice at the practice fields behind the Allen Reeves Football Complex. Clemson practiced with …

Clemson opened fall camp on Friday in high spirits in preparation for the 2021 season.

The media was allowed to observe the entirety of the opening practice at the practice fields behind the Allen Reeves Football Complex. Clemson practiced with helmets only and without contact for almost three hours.

Freshman Barrett Carter burst onto the scene with an impressive first practice that included a one-handed interception.

“Solid. He picks it up well. He is a savvy kid. As you saw he made a one-hand snag today. Just going out here and having fun,” Baylon Spector said after practice. “Great head on him, smart. If he messes up, he is okay. He is not going to cave down. He has a good head on him. He is really smart and is a talented player.”

Here are some more notes from the first practice as the Tigers’ defense drilled with their position groups, as a unit and in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11.

Defensive line

  • Clemson’s defensive line is beyond deep and it showed. During team drills the unit ran out several different combinations and looks for a starting four.
  • In good-on-good Xavier Thomas held the first spot at defensive end  with Bryan Bresee and Tyler Davis on the inside and Justin Mascoll sharing time with K.J. Henry on the other end. Myles Murphy also got some first team reps at defensive end in various drills.
  • Thomas got a little banged up during a drill at the beginning of practice but returned to practice after a few minutes and seemed perfectly fine.
  • Payton Page was in a green jersey during practice and is a big dude. Looked capable in his first practice with the Tigers. Etinosa Reuben was also in a green jersey which means they cannot participate in contact drill.
  • Tre Williams looked impressive in individual drills he stood out for his intensity. His work in the offseason on his body showed, his technique was sound, and he was explosive at the snap.
  • Also, Bresee is still good at football.

Linebackers

  • Sixth-year James Skalski is the clear leader of the linebacker room and took the first rep in every situation including individual drills. He served as defensive coordinator Brent Venables demonstration dummy and also helped out the younger linebackers.
  • The first linebackers out in team drills were Skalski, Spector and Trenton Simpson. Skalski played middle linebacker and Spector held down the weak side.
  • Then obviously Barrett Carter impressed with his physical makeup and athleticism. He intercepted Hunter Helms in team drills with a spectacular one handed catch and shows a lot of promise with his first practice under his belt.

Secondary

  • Andrew Booth returns with the same athleticism and play making ability. He looked impressive in his first practice of the fall, particularly in defending the deep ball. It also seemed he is owning more of a leadership role among the other cornerbacks.
  • Nate Wiggins showed potential particularly in staying coachable and attentive in his first college football practice. The freshman corner took some time to empty his system during individual drills. He also took a chewing from defensive coordinator Brent Venables at one point during practice.
  • Clemson is six deep at corner with Booth and Malcom Greene taking the first team reps at the moment and both looked good at times. Mario Goodrich, Sheridan Jones, Wiggins and Fred Davis.
  • At safety Nolan Turner and Lannden Zanders took most of the first team reps. Tyler Venables and Andrew Mukuba played a lot in second team oppportunities. Joseph Charleston also played a lot in team drills at the position.
  • Greene had a great pass breakup of Joseph Ngata seven on seven.
  • Sheridan Jones jumped and made a one handed deflection to stop a completion in team drills.
  • Mukuba also got some reps at corner despite being listed at safety on the roster.

Team observations

  • Obviously without pads on there was a big emphasis on tracking rather than hitting in team drills. Head coach Dabo Swinney made sure to reemphasize that several times with the threat of being kicked off the field for making contact in non-contact drills.
  • The defense recorded a pair of coverage sacks against the first team offense in seven-on-seven work and matched up relatively well without contact.
  • Jimmy Greenbeans a.k.a. Venables got to show off his arm in defensive drills.

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Four-star LB Curtis on Clemson visit: “It was awesome”

After having the orange carpet laid out for him in June, this talented Class of 2023 linebacker is keeping in constant contact with Clemson. Many (LA.) High School four-star Tackett Curtis was one of a handful of recruits to receive an offer from …

After having the orange carpet laid out for him in June, this talented Class of 2023 linebacker is keeping in constant contact with Clemson.

Many (LA.) High School four-star Tackett Curtis was one of a handful of recruits to receive an offer from the Tigers back on June 1.

Curtis (6-2.5, 210) currently ranks as the No. 4 linebacker and No. 67 overall prospect regardless of position in the 2023 class, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.

He recently caught up with The Clemson Insider and shared what he’s been hearing lately from Clemson’s coaching staff.

“I had a great visit in the summer and we really enjoyed it,” Curtis said. “Me and the family getting to go out there and see Clemson, see the staff, see what they’re about and how they want to use me. It was really awesome. I’m glad we got to do that and go check them out. I learned a little bit more about them, a little bit more about the staff and what they see in me.”

Since his visit earlier this summer, Curtis has made sure to keep in contact with Clemson’s coaching staff over the phone. He’s doing what he can until Sept. 1, when they can really start getting in contact with him and calling him.

Curtis is primarily reaching out to Brent Venables.

“We have a pretty good relationship,” he said. “ We get on the phone and talk and he tells me how he wants to use me and how much they want me, how he sees me in their defense and really just how they can develop me.”

According to Curtis, Clemson’s defensive coordinator/linebackers coach envisions him in a similar role as Isaiah Simmons. The former Tigers linebacker, who is currently with the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL, played the “Cheetah” position in Venables’ defense. 

That’s how Venables wants to use Curtis. He believes that the talented Louisiana recruit can make plays all over the field and wants to stick him in the best place where he can be a playmaker. 

That means a lot to Curtis.

“It’s really an honor to be compared to that,” he said. “If Coach Venables sees you being that guy like that, that’s pretty cool. Getting on the phone and talking to him and him telling me he wants to use me like in that in his defense, for that position, which is such a key role in his defense. It really means a lot and it’s really an honor.”

While Curtis is flattered by the Simmons comparison, there’s also another player in the NFC West that he tries to model his game after — San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner. That’s a player he certainly enjoys watching on Sundays.

Curtis said he prides himself on his versatility.

“I can run, I can cover, I’m physical and aggressive, I can do all of them,” he added. “That’s one thing that I pride myself on, versatility, and that’s one of the reasons why these coaches want me so bad.”

Curtis doesn’t have any visits planned for this upcoming season just yet, but he’s sure that he and his family will make it up to Tiger Town for a game. 

For Curtis’s junior season at Many High School, he’s looking to be the best teammate he can be and see himself get better at some of the things he feels he’s not just great at yet.

If he can get better at those and be a great leader, all while leading his team to the State Championship, Curtis said that would be “awesome.”

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Greenville head coach: Clemson is the standard

For a local high school coach, there’s something obvious about Clemson’s football program. Greg Porter, the head coach of Greenville High School, put it this way. “They’re the standard,” he told The Clemson Insider. Porter attended Clemson’s All In …

For a local high school coach, there’s something obvious about Clemson’s football program.

Greg Porter, the head coach of Greenville High School, put it this way.

“They’re the standard,” he told The Clemson Insider.

Porter attended Clemson’s All In Cookout last month, in part because of two of his own players — Collin Sadler and Josh Sapp.

Sadler is a part of the Tigers’ 2022 recruiting class, while Sapp is still aiming for that coveted Clemson offer. 

In any event, Porter was there to support his players, but he enjoyed himself beyond his expectations.

“As you can see from the pictures, I had a great time,” Porter said. “It was absolutely one of the most organized events that I’ve been a part of and had such a family feeling of welcoming those young men and their families. The coaches are all genuine. It was a positive experience, it was really good.”

Porter had a unique moment where he sat down with Dabo Swinney’s wife, Kathleen, and the two sat and ate together for about 45 minutes.

“I was just totally fascinated and blown away that she would even take the time and sit down and talk with me,” he said.

Porter didn’t take that for granted. He knows the way parents of recruits and commits would’ve been impacted if they were in his situation as well. 

“There were so many other people, so many other pieces that were moving at the cookout,” Porter added. “The fact that she took a moment, sat down and just talked with me, I appreciated it. That meant a lot to me.”

Of course, Sadler and Sapp were the reason Porter was there, and yet he was still blown away by the way he was treated.

Sadler committed to Clemson back on Nov. 2, 2020. He ranks as the No. 15 offensive tackle and No. 4 prospect from The Palmetto State in the Class of 2022, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.

What is Clemson getting in a player like Sadler?

“They’re getting a committed young man on and off the field,” Porter said. “He definitely fits the culture of Clemson. He comes in with a mindset that he wants to contribute right away. A lot of kids think like that anyway, but I think he’s putting in the work. He’s going to put in the work. He knows that he’s got to earn his stripes.”

From a character standpoint, Clemson is getting someone who is going to be “All In.”

“A guy who’s coming in not arrogant, a guy who’s coming in who wants to continue the tradition that Clemson has and that’s winning National Championships,” Porter said of Sadler. “He’s never been a problem. He’s loyal. None of these things I’m making up. These are the qualities that he has exhibited over the years being at Greenville High School.”

For Sapp, it’s a little bit different. Even though he’s a legacy recruit, he doesn’t hold that Clemson offer just yet.  Still, he was invited to the cookout as Clemson and specifically Tigers’ offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Tony Elliott continue to express interest in him.

Sapp, of course, is the son of former Clemson and NFL linebacker Patrick Sapp.

“I think that’s the motivating thing for Josh Sapp. He doesn’t mind paving the way of his own steps,” Porter said. “What’s funny to me is that he’s too young to even know that his dad had a similar path, quarterback, outside linebacker, changing positions. Josh, coming up in our program, he’s the same way.

“I don’t want to say like a swiss [army] knife, but he can play so many positions. It would be great to see him target just one and become great at one being able to be that versatile tight end/wide receiver, guy. H-back for Clemson, from my perspective, is the perfect position for him.”

Being that he’s their head coach, Porter had an opportunity to enjoy himself, but he also took a step back and watched his players and some of their future teammates enjoy themselves.

“This class, the recruiting class, watching them on stage during the activities they had for the kids, they seemed to have a nice little tight bond already,” he said. “I think that’s what makes Clemson so special, that they take that class that they’re recruiting and allow them to become a family, teaching them to become a family before they get to Clemson.”

Porter explained just how rare and unique that is. 

Once these recruits are officially enrolled in Tiger Town, they already know the expectations. There is already a relationship there and chemistry is so vital and important to a team’s success. 

He would know.

“It’s stronger than it has been in the past,” Porter said of his relationship with Clemson’s coaches. “In 2014, when I won a State Championship at Hillcrest, Clemson was the only school that allowed me an opportunity to come to be a guest speaker at the coaching clinic. I’m always in debt to them for that.”

Porter had an opportunity to speak with Brent Venables. He coached the Clemson defensive coordinator/linebackers coach’s son, Tyler, at the Shrine Bowl. 

“I try not to be a nuance because I figure everyone’s always asking him for stuff,” he said, “But I just keep it business-wise when I talk to them about the kids and I probably do need to really work on the relationship aspect of it because they’ve invited me to come up there so many times during the season,” “I’ll be caught up so much in my own season, that I don’t come up as much as I should to the games and things like that.

“I think from this experience with Collin and Josh Sapp, talking to Coach Elliott, talking to [Safeties] Coach [Mickey] Conn, talking to Brent Venables, they make you feel so welcome. I just felt different this time. I felt so different this time that I even took an actual picture. I put on the jersey and took one myself.”

Porter never played for Clemson, but for once in his life and this one moment, he got a chance to put on that jersey. 

He didn’t pass it up.

“They made me feel comfortable that I could step out of myself and do something like that,” Porter added.

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There’s no avoiding great expectations for Clemson’s deep, talented defensive line

Lemanski Hall wasn’t about to put the cart before the horse. Asked during the football program’s local media day how long into the season he thought it would take for Clemson’s defensive line to be able to call itself Power Rangers 2.0, the Tigers’ …

Lemanski Hall wasn’t about to put the cart before the horse.

Asked during the football program’s local media day how long into the season he thought it would take for Clemson’s defensive line to be able to call itself Power Rangers 2.0, the Tigers’ defensive ends coach didn’t do much more than chuckle at the inquiry.

“They’ve got to get permission from those guys first to be able to do that,” Hall said.

Of course, the Power Rangers is an affectionate reference to one of the best defensive fronts to ever don the purple and orange. Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence and Austin Bryant wreaked havoc on opposing offenses during Clemson’s most recent national championship run in 2018. Headliners of a defense that finished top 5 nationally in points and yards allowed that season, all of them were drafted the following year, three of them within the first 17 picks.

But one thing this year’s group is embracing are the lofty expectations that have come with as much raw talent and perhaps even more depth up front than Clemson had three years ago. The combination of the two may be the best it’s been for the Tigers since, which has made comparisons between this version of Clemson’s defensive line and that one inevitable.

“We hear it often,” Hall said. “To me, the focus is there’s a high expectation with that group, and we’ve got to live up to that expectation. You can’t try to go out and do something you’re not comfortable doing. We’ve got to focus in on the little things and be who we are.”

Just how deep is Clemson up front heading into the new season? Not only are the Tigers returning all four starting linemen in coordinator Brent Venable’s defense, but Clemson has seven linemen that have started at least one game.

The majority of that depth is on the edges, where Clemson has starting-caliber defensive ends littered on its three-deep heading into fall camp. The Tigers got a boost there with Justin Foster’s decision to return for another season after he initially announced his retirement from football once he missed all of last season with a bout of COVID-19, bringing back with him 39 games worth of experience.

“I was leaping for joy because I know the type of young man this guy is,” said Todd Bates, who’s entering his fifth season coaching the Tigers’ interior defensive linemen. “He’s a rock-solid guy who’s going to be where he’s supposed to be and doing what he’s supposed to do. … We’re thrilled to have him back.”

Foster, an all-ACC honorable mention in 2019, and former five-star signee Myles Murphy are listed at the top of the depth chart for now, but Clemson has the “or” designation peppered throughout that position, a good indication of how the coaching staff feels about the caliber of players it has there. Xavier Thomas brings nine career sacks into his senior season, the most of anybody on the Tigers’ roster, while junior K.J. Henry is also back in the fold.

So is Justin Mascoll, who took advantage of some of the attrition at the position last season by posting 29 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss in the first nine starts of his career. Hall mentioned the 6-foot-3, 255-pound junior as someone he expects to take a major step in his development as he works to become a more complete edge defender.

“I see Justin Mascoll just really taking off and having an awesome year doing the little things right,” Hall said. “I’m excited to see his progression as well.

“I don’t want to categorize him and put him as he’s just a run defender. He can rush the passer as well, but that’s where we’ve got to get better is in the pass rush with him. But physicality, man, just coming out of his hips on contact, that’s what you want. He does it better than anyone. Just need to get more consistent.”

Of course, the Tigers are counting on a natural step forward from youngsters like Murphy and defensive tackle Ben Bresee, who were among the most productive freshmen linemen in the country last season. Bresee, the nation’s No. 1 prospect in the 2020 recruiting cycle, returns to anchor the interior of the line along with junior Tyler Davis, who started all seven games he played last season and has started 20 of the 22 he’s played in his career.

Murphy had a team-high 12 tackles for loss last season while Bresee was just as disruptive on the inside en route to ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Bresee flashed his quick-twitch playmaking ability by recording 6.5 tackles for loss. Four of those were sacks, which tied him for second-most on the team.

“You can’t have a much better year than he had as a freshman, but he has really been working hard and had a great spring,” Bates said of Bresee. “Really starting to take it to another level. That’s what we’ve challenged him on is to max out his abilities and to get better in the run game and not just focus on pass rush.”

With Bresee and Davis entrenched as Clemson’s top two interior linemen heading into camp, the stiffest competition will be for the third spot on the depth chart there. Ruke Orhorhoro, Tre Williams, Darnell Jeffries and Etinosa Reuben are just some of the interior linemen that have been in the program for at least a year, and true freshman Payton Page has worked himself into good enough shape to where he could potentially be a contributor this season.

Page, a mid-year enrollee, arrived on campus around 380 pounds. Since then, he’s lost more than 40 pounds, Bates said.

“It could be a number of guys,” Bates said, referencing the candidates to be the third defensive tackle. “We’re looking forward to camp. It’ll sort itself out.”

Clemson added two more blue-chip pieces to the mix in edge signees Cade Denhoff and Zaire Patterson, so the Tigers have no shortage of options up and down their defensive front. But the unit isn’t exactly overconfident heading into a new season.

The group took some lumps last season and ended it with a dud in Clemson’s 49-28 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinals, allowing the Buckeyes to rack up a whopping 639 yards with more than 250 of those coming on the ground.

Bates said that performance served as a piece of humble pie that’s left a sour taste in the mouth of the collective group all offseason.

“Humble pie is the best kind of pie,” Bates said. “Sometimes you’ve got to get that chip back on your shoulder. Regardless of who tells you you’re great, you’ve got to come hungry every day, come humble every day to go out and work hard.”

As productive as some of the Tigers’ newcomers were up front last season, it was still baptism by fire for those going through their first season of college football. Bates said the biggest difference between last year and now is maturity for the unit as a whole. Everyone in line to be a significant contributor up front has experience and knows what to expect this time around.

And for a unit that, at least on paper, has the look of one of the nation’s best, expectations are about as high as they’ve ever been.

“We do have the luxury of some guys that have played a lot of football,” Hall said. “Now it’s just a matter of let’s utilize the depth that we have and get guys to play fast, play free and don’t think. Go out, execute and be productive.”

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Best is the Standard for this Clemson Class of 2022 commit

As a part of its 2022 recruiting class, Clemson received a verbal commitment from a versatile pass-rushing threat with tremendous get-off speed. That pass-rusher is Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star Jihaad Campbell. He is ranked as high as the …

As a part of its 2022 recruiting class, Clemson received a verbal commitment from a versatile pass-rushing threat with tremendous get-off speed.

That pass-rusher is Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star Jihaad Campbell. He is ranked as high as the No. 5 edge defender and the No. 92 overall prospect in the country for the 2022 class by 247Sports.

Campbell recently caught up with The Clemson Insider and the New Jersey native gave a long, detailed answer about why he chose to commit to Clemson.

“I feel like when I look at myself when I look at other people that surround me,” Campbell told TCI, “I look at just being able to maximize my talents and maximize my understanding of me growing, learning and experiencing success and football and life after football.

“Honestly, the reason I chose Clemson was that I found that in Clemson. At Clemson, they have a love for one another. They love to see another person win, another person have success. Also, just a great traditional school. They say, ‘Best is the Standard’ and they sure do keep that motto. I feel that everyone in that program right now is there for a reason and they’re going to be great.”

Of course, Campbell wasn’t the only IMG Academy defender to commit to Clemson this summer. He was later joined by two fellow four-stars in safety Keon Sabb and cornerback Daylen Everette.

“I would honestly say, forget about the rankings, forget about everything else,” Campbell said. “When you just look at our class, you really just think of young men coming together and really trying to build something very special. I feel like this class overall is going to be the best class, especially against every other class. 

“I feel like the Clemson ‘22 class is going to be the best class because we look at it like we just wanna see each other build and win, love each other, and grow with success. We don’t want to just be on each other’s team, but we actually want to help one another throughout even just our high school season and also throughout our journey at Clemson.”

Campbell has done some heavy-lifting on the recruiting trail and has been one of Clemson’s most vocal advocates on social media, in addition to Austin (TX.) Westlake five-star Cade Klubnik.

He had been recruiting Hays (Kan.) four-star athlete Jaren Kanak, prior to his commitment this past Friday and he continues to heavily recruit Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley five-star Travis Shaw.

Campbell has continuously let Kanak and Shaw know just how important it would be for the pair to come to Clemson. While he was successful in his pursuit for Kanak, the chase for Shaw is still on.

Even though Campbell and his IMG Academy teammates were unable to attend Clemson’s All In Cookout last month, he still plans on getting back to Tiger Town for a game and his official visit sometime this upcoming season. Although, it may be difficult with IMG’s national schedule.

As he finishes out his last season of high school in Bradenton (Fla.), what can Clemson fans expect out of Campbell once he arrives on campus?

“Clemson fans, they’re gonna get a genuine, caring, and loving person, who likes to see other people succeed in life,” he said. “I’m very vocal, I’m a vocal leader. I’m also very helpful. I just want to have a great college experience at Clemson University.”

This season, he wants to continue to get better each and every day. Campbell wants to be the best version of himself before he begins his collegiate career.

Beyond that, he’s quite excited about the prospect of playing in Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables’ defense going forward.

“Coach Venables can definitely get creative with my versatility and putting in me different spots like a defensive end, linebacker, out in space, or rushing to the quarterback,” Campbell said. “I think it’ll be very fun and great.”

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Clemson offer would ‘mean a lot’ to this 2022 Alabama athlete

After taking an unofficial visit and participating at Dabo Swinney Camp earlier this summer, a talented Alabama athlete was back on Clemson’s campus on Thursday. Madison (Ala.) Madison Academy 2022 three-star ATH Deuce Spurlock made his way back up …

After taking an unofficial visit and participating at Dabo Swinney Camp earlier this summer, a talented Alabama athlete was back on Clemson’s campus on Thursday.

Madison (Ala.) Madison Academy 2022 three-star ATH Deuce Spurlock made his way back up to Tiger Town for a visit this week with the quiet period effectively underway.

Spurlock (6-2, 215) was accompanied by his mother and grandmother, who also really enjoyed their time back at Clemson.

Following his visit, Spurlock caught up with The Clemson Insider.

Spurlock and his family took a tour of the whole campus, then they went over to the football facilities, where he got to chop it up with Clemson defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Brent Venables.

“During the visit, [Clemson] were telling me how much better they could make me as a man and player,” he told TCI, “And not just focusing on making me the best on the field, but also off the field.”

Spurlock believes that he’s “for sure” working towards a potential offer from the Tigers, he said.

He currently holds offers from programs like Michigan, App State, Army Boston College, Liberty, Memphis, Mississippi State, Pitt, Syracuse, Tulane, USF and Washington State, to name a few.

Additionally, Spurlock earned an offer from the University of South Carolina on Sunday.

But, he’s still holding out for that coveted Clemson offer.

“It would mean a lot to me because I loved the staff and the players,” Spurlock said.

Spurlock took in an official visit to Pitt this summer, but that’s all. He’s looking to make it back to Clemson “hopefully soon,” he added.

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Nation’s top prospect takes in Clemson visit

The nation’s top prospect in the Class of 2023 was on Clemson’s campus this weekend. Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton 2023 five-star defensive lineman Lebbeus Overton was in Tiger Town for an unofficial visit on Saturday. Overton (6-4, 265) is the nation’s …

The nation’s top prospect in the Class of 2023 was on Clemson’s campus this weekend.

Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton 2023 five-star defensive lineman Lebbeus Overton was in Tiger Town for an unofficial visit on Saturday.

Overton (6-4, 265) is the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect for the 2023 class, per 247Sports Composite rankings.

Overton posted some flicks on Instagram following his visit Saturday.

His caption on his post reads: “Who else all in?”

He had a chance to convene and take some pictures with Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, defensive tackles coach Todd Bates and defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall.

This was Overton’s first trip to Clemson since the Tigers officially offered him a scholarship back on June 1.

Dabo Swinney and Co. often stress getting some of the nation’s top recruits on campus and Clemson was able to do so with the quiet period currently underway.

Overton comes from a family of athletes. His older brother, Micaiah, is currently a defensive lineman at Liberty. Overton’s father, Milton, was an offensive lineman at the University of Oklahoma in the ’90s. His mother, Eunice, was a standout volleyball player at the University of Kentucky.

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Versatile Peach State defender building tight bond with Venables

Clemson continues to show interest in this Georgia prospect. Savannah (Ga.) Cavalry Day School 2023 defensive end/outside linebacker Troy Ford, Jr. was on Clemson’s campus earlier last month and continues to be in contact with Tigers’ defensive …

Clemson continues to show interest in this Georgia prospect.

Savannah (Ga.) Cavalry Day School 2023 defensive end/outside linebacker Troy Ford, Jr. was on Clemson’s campus earlier last month and continues to be in contact with Tigers’ defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Brent Venables.

Venables and the Tigers remain interested in the versatile Georgia defender.

“I’ve talked with Coach Venables and they want to keep this relationship going and have me calling every week and try to check in with them as much as I can,” Ford told The Clemson Insider. “He basically wants to see how I develop as a player and which position I’m going to grow into.”

Ford (6-1, 235) was blown away by everything Clemson had to offer during his time at Dabo Swinney Camp, but what really stood out to him was Venables’ willingness to go the extra mile when it came to his health.

“Our relationship is really, really good,” he said, “Especially while I was there [at Clemson]. He talked to my parents when I had a full-body cramp. I went to the hospital while I was there and he stayed with us through all that. I really appreciate that. I feel like our relationship is pretty tight right now.”

Ford doesn’t have that coveted Clemson offer just yet, but that hasn’t dissuaded his interest in the program.

“That means everything, that means a lot,” Ford said. “That’s one of the best programs in the country and they’re taking the time to get to know me. That means a lot to me.”

“I like how organized they are,” he added. “They don’t take any riff-raff. They really get to know their players, that’s what I really appreciate about them. They take their schoolwork very seriously as well.”

Ford would love to get back up to Clemson soon. He’s trying to get up to a game sometime this season and hopes to take an official visit later on in his recruitment. 

He took in an unofficial visit to Auburn last weekend.

Getting back on the recruiting trail and putting voices to faces has been huge for Ford’s recruitment.

“It really helps me,” he said. “It gives me a grasp about what the college is all about and where it’s located and all that. Plus, I can really pick and choose where I would see myself before I go to college.”

With that being said, what are some of the more important factors Ford is looking for in a school at the next level?

“It’s how they help me with tutoring and all that when I go into college and really how they treat me and my family,” Ford said. “When I go up there, I just want them to treat my family well and treat me well.”

That’s certainly been the case with Clemson thus far.

For Calvary Day School, Ford has played all over the field. He’s a hybrid defender, starring at both defensive end and linebacker. Additionally, he’s a two-way player and has experience playing both running back and tight end for his high school.

While Ford is currently viewed as more of a defensive end, Venables wants to see how Ford grows into his own as a linebacker.

“He said he liked how aggressive I play the game and how I can see things before they happen,” Ford said of Venables.

As far as his recruitment is concerned, Ford is trying to be as patient as he can. He’s not going to rush his decision. He’s definitely going to wait to the end of this upcoming season and then make his decision sometime after that.

From a goals standpoint, Ford is looking to lead his team to a state championship, while surpassing 70 tackles for the season.

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No. 1 Kansas athlete commits to Clemson, details decision with TCI

Clemson added another big name to a 2022 recruiting class that just continues to get better. Hays (Kan.) 2022 four-star athlete Jaren Kanak announced his verbal commitment to the Tigers on Friday night. Kanak (6-2, 210) is the No. 1 player out of …

Clemson added another big name to a 2022 recruiting class that just continues to get better.

Hays (Kan.) 2022 four-star athlete Jaren Kanak announced his verbal commitment to the Tigers on Friday night. Kanak (6-2, 210) is the No. 1 player out of Kansas and No. 8 ranked athlete in the country for the Class of 2022, according to 247Sports’ recruiting rankings.

Kanak chose Clemson over programs like Alabama, Michigan, Florida and Georgia. He caught up with The Clemson Insider regarding his big decision.

“Everybody’s been saying it and you figure it out, you feel it once you get there, but they’re just different,” Kanak told TCI. “The way they do things is just different. They’re special and they’re very unique. They pay attention to detail in everything that they do and they’re just different in every way. It’s a perfect fit for me and my family and I think it’s perfect for me and I can see myself really developing and thriving in that program.”

Kanak informed Clemson’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Brent Venables of his decision earlier Friday.

“He was super pumped up,” Kanak said. “He’s a big, spiritual guy. He’s really grateful for the relationship we’ve built and I am too. He really feels a strong connection to me and has really liked me as a recruit ever since the visit and even beforehand. He’s really super pumped, looking forward to this.”

Kanak has been a priority recruit for Clemson and those already committed prior to Friday made sure of that. In a recent conversation with TCI, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star DE Jihaad Campbell said he had been recruiting Kanak, in addition to Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley five-star DL Travis Shaw.

This 2022 class is shaping up to be a special one for the Tigers.

“I’ve seen that class build up over the past couple of weeks and it made me want to pull the trigger a little more,” Kanak said. “Pretty much all those guys have hit me up, which is something that hasn’t really happened with the other schools is the recruits hitting me and asking me where I am. So, I thought that was pretty unique. I’m really looking forward to building a relationship with those guys as well.”

While Kanak wasn’t able to make it up for last Sunday’s All In Cookout, he and his family will make it back to The Valley for a game this season.

What kind of player are the Tigers getting in Kanak?

“Everyone says they’re a hard-worker and I’m right there in that boat,” he said. “I’m gonna work harder than the guy next to me. I’m relentless and very dedicated to my goals and my dreams. I’m very consistent in my hard work. A lot of people like to work hard, on and off, but mine is very consistent. If I have a goal and I set out for that goal, I’m going to achieve it. 

“I’ll give everything I got on the field and I’m looking forward to giving it my all in front of all of the Clemson fans.”

Kanak’s biggest strengths are his speed and twitch, especially for how big he is. He’s looking to put on more weight. 

Ironically enough, the Kansas standout is often compared to a former Tiger.

“A lot of people have compared me to Isaiah Simmons, in that we’re both kind of a versatile player that can do a lot,” he said.

For Kanak, it’s attractive to know that somebody has been successful in what he wants to do. Knowing that he’ll now end up at Clemson, he could very well be successful doing the same thing Simmons did.

Kanak had always been leaning towards Clemson, especially after his first visit. He wanted to see if other schools would be able to top his experience in Tiger Town and while some schools got pretty close, nobody could quite replicate what Clemson has to offer.

“I’ve had plenty of time to think about it and I really feel comfortable making the decision,” he said.

There’s also a significance to Friday’s date. Kanak’s father passed away 13 years ago on July 30, 2008.

Kanak’s been more than ready to make this decision for quite some time now. He thought making his decision public on July 30, would be a unique way to honor his late father’s name, he said.

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Venables talks return of Foster, expectations for Thomas, much more

Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables met with the media on Tuesday during the Tigers’ 2021 media outing. Venables discussed the return of Justin Foster, his expectations for Xavier Thomas, super seniors James Skalski and Nolan Turner, the …

Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables met with the media on Tuesday during the Tigers’ 2021 media outing.

Venables discussed the return of Justin Foster, his expectations for Xavier Thomas, super seniors James Skalski and Nolan Turner, the way last season came to an end against Ohio State, and much more:

Watch Venables’ press conference on TCITV:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBm0e9yIA20

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