Tag: Lannden Zanders

Former Clemson safety enters the transfer portal, looks to make a return to football

Former Clemson safety Lannden Zanders is looking to make a return to football.

While he won’t be doing it with Clemson, former Tigers’ safety Lannden Zanders is returning to college football.

According to reports, Zanders has entered the transfer portal and is looking for a new home to play football. Zanders’ career was seemingly cut short in 2022 following several shoulder injuries, but the young safety is looking to make a return. During his time with the Tigers, Zanders recorded 57 tackles (5.0 for loss), 3.0 sacks, and four pass breakups over 25 games (10 starts).

While we hate to see Clemson players depart in the transfer portal, you can’t help but root for Zanders, who has dealt with a lot of adversity in his career. A return to football is something we know he wanted, and he can achieve his goals at a different program.

Hopefully, Zanders finds himself in a good situation and can further overcome his bad luck with injuries.

R.J. Mickens dreaming big and aiming high ahead of junior year

Clemson safety R.J. Mickens wants to take home one of college football’s most prestigious awards in 2022.

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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Swinney speaks about Zanders’ decision to retire from football

When he met with the media Friday afternoon before Clemson hit the field for the start of fall camp, the Tigers’ head coach took a moment to talk about safety Lannden Zanders’ decision to step away from the game of football. Dabo Swinney certainly …

When he met with the media Friday afternoon before Clemson hit the field for the start of fall camp, the Tigers’ head coach took a moment to talk about safety Lannden Zanders’ decision to step away from the game of football.

Dabo Swinney certainly feels for Zanders, a redshirt junior who revealed via social media Wednesday that he has decided to retire from football following several shoulder injuries.

Zanders suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the season opener against Georgia last season and played through the previous season with a torn labrum.

“I know everybody heard about Lannden, and obviously my heart breaks for him,” Swinney said. “He had a great spring – obviously didn’t go through spring from a physical standpoint but did everything and looked great. Had a little bit of a setback, and honestly just mentally and physically didn’t feel like he could do it.”

A native of Shelby, N.C., and product of Crest High School, where he was ranked as the 24th-best player in North Carolina by ESPN, Zanders concluded his playing career credited with 57 tackles (5.0 for loss), 3.0 sacks and four pass breakups in 511 defensive snaps over 25 games (10 starts) from 2019-21.

“He’s going to graduate in December,” Swinney said. “So, those are tough days and tough parts of the job and tough part of the game. But man, we love Lannden and his family. He’s still a part of what we’re doing, he just won’t be able to run out there and play the game the way he wants to play it.”

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Clemson safety steps away from football due to injuries

One of Clemson’s safeties has decided to hang up his cleats after sustaining multiple injuries over the last few seasons.

Clemson safety Lannden Zanders has decided to step away from football due to injuries.

As Clemson begins fall camp, Zanders took to Twitter on Wednesday to announce his decision.

“While I’ve worked hard with our trainers and doctors to return to the field, I just do not believe I’m physically able to be the kind of player I have always prided myself on being,” Zanders said in his post. “Though I’m disappointed I will not be able to play football again, I leave the game with no regrets.”

Zanders has suffered multiple injuries throughout his career, including a shoulder injury sustained in week one in 2021 that forced him to miss the remainder of the season. He also played through a torn labrum in the Tigers’ 2020 season.

In 19 games over the course of three seasons, Zanders was credited with 41 total tackles (5.5 for loss), one pass defended and one forced fumble.

“I’ve given everything I’ve had to the program, and I’ll give everything I have to support my brothers on the team in a new way while I work on finishing my degree,” Zanders said. “Coach Swinney always says committing to Clemson is a lifetime decision, and even away from the field, I will be a Clemson Tiger for life.”

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Clemson safety stepping away from football

A Clemson safety announced via social media Wednesday that he is retiring from football. Redshirt junior safety Lannden Zanders revealed that he is stepping away from football. Zanders suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the season opener …

A Clemson safety announced via social media Wednesday that he is retiring from football.

Redshirt junior safety Lannden Zanders revealed that he is stepping away from football.

Zanders suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the season opener against Georgia last season.

He recorded 57 tackles (5.0 for loss), 3.0 sacks and four pass breakups in 511 defensive snaps over 25 games (10 starts) as a Tiger from 2019-21.

Come out to support Clemson softball at Dear Old Clemson’s second event which is set for August 27 at the Madren Conference Center.  Clemson returns one of the top teams in the nation and adds some new talent to the mix.   If you sign up for certain club levels you get free access to all Dear Old Clemson events or purchase your tickets today at Dear Old Clemson.

Conn updates statuses of two injured safeties

Following Clemson’s scrimmage Wednesday, co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Mickey Conn provided updates on the statuses of two injured safeties. Conn said the Tigers hope junior Tyler Venables, who is sidelined right now after undergoing …

Following Clemson’s scrimmage Wednesday, co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Mickey Conn provided updates on the statuses of two injured safeties.

Conn said the Tigers hope junior Tyler Venables, who is sidelined right now after undergoing labrum surgery last week in addition to having hip surgery on Jan. 3, will be ready to return when fall camp rolls around in August.

“We’re hoping he’ll be ready in August to come back,” Conn said. “So, he’s very engaged in our meetings. He’s played so many different positions over the years that he really knows the defense inside and out. So, I’m expecting him to make a full recovery and be ready to go when we start summer practice.”

As for redshirt junior Lannden Zanders, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the opener against Georgia last year, Conn said he is in “great shape” but the Tigers are being precautious with him right now.

“He’s in great shape and probably could go, but let’s not take the chance right now,” Conn said. “Let’s get him a little bit stronger, get him to August and ready to go. But he’s taking thud reps, he’s just not taking anybody to the ground. So, he’s doing really well.”

Zanders enters the 2022 season credited with 57 tackles (5.0 for loss), 3.0 sacks and four pass breakups in 511 defensive snaps over 25 games (10 starts).

Venables heads into 2022 after being credited with 61 tackles (4.5 for loss), a sack, an interception and six pass breakups in 476 snaps over 24 games (two starts) in his first two seasons at Clemson.

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Taking inventory: Safety

Clemson ended its season less than a week ago, but it’s never too early to look ahead. The Clemson Insider is taking some time to analyze how the Tigers performed at each position this season and where the Tigers stand with each entering the …

Clemson ended its season less than a week ago, but it’s never too early to look ahead.

The Clemson Insider is taking some time to analyze how the Tigers performed at each position this season and where the Tigers stand with each entering the offseason. Quarterback, running back, tight end, receiver, center, guard, offensive tackle, defensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker and cornerback have already been assessed.

Next up is safety.

A quick note first: This is where things currently stand with Clemson’s personnel at safety. With the one-time transfer rule and recruiting still in full effect, things are always subject to change. This story will be updated as needed to reflect any future modifications at the position.

2021 in review

The season got off to an inauspicious start at the position with both starting safeties on the mend. But with the help of the collective group, including a breakthrough freshmen, the back end of Clemson’s defense was solidified throughout the season.

Lannden Zanders underwent season-ending shoulder surgery after the opener against Georgia, a game veteran Nolan Turner missed because of an injury. Jalyn Phillips filled in as a starter in that game as did newcomer Andrew Mukuba, and the rest is history.

Mukuba played in all 13 games with 10 starts, becoming one of the ACC’s top freshmen over the course of the season. The league’s defensive rookie of the year finished fifth on the team in tackles and led Clemson with nine pass breakups. Turner eventually returned, starting all 10 games he played in his sixth and final season with the program. He finished fourth on the team in tackles.

The injuries gave Clemson a chance to develop some of their depth at the position beyond Phillips, who filled in for a hobbled Turner during the bowl game, too. Phillips tallied 39 tackles and three pass breakups on the season, but R.J. Mickens and Tyler Venables also saw their snap counts increase, especially after Joseph Charleston opted to transfer early in the season.

Mickens played in all 13 games while Venables, the son of former defensive coordinator Brent Venables, appeared in all but one. There were times Clemson even played three safeties at the same time depending on the matchup. As a result, the top five players in the rotation at the position each logged at least 245 snaps for a defense that finished second nationally in points allowed (14.8 per game) and 34th in passing yards allowed (209.2).

Zanders, a junior, is in line to return for another season while Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Venables doesn’t plan to follow his dad to Oklahoma, so the Tigers are keeping some key pieces intact here. But with a few safeties set to depart the program, Clemson could use some more depth at the position.

Who’s leaving?

Turner, Charleston, Ray Thornton (transfer)

Who’s staying?

Mukuba, Zanders, Phillips, Mickens, Venables

Who’s joining?

Clemson has signed a pair of safeties to its 2022 recruiting class in Oscar Smith High (Virginia) standout Sherrod Covil Jr. and Jesuit High (Florida) product Wade Woodaz, who could play safety or linebacker but projects in the secondary in college. And the Tigers might not be done here.

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Zanders: ‘Storms don’t last forever’

Clemson junior safety Lannden Zanders took to Twitter on Wednesday morning with a message regarding the unfortunate event that transpired at his family home this past weekend. Dabo Swinney told reporters at the end of his press conference Tuesday …

Clemson junior safety Lannden Zanders took to Twitter on Wednesday morning with a message regarding the unfortunate event that transpired at his family home this past weekend.

Dabo Swinney told reporters at the end of his press conference Tuesday that Zanders’ house completely burned down this past weekend. Zanders was asleep and the only one in the house at the time. Fortunately, he was able to get out and nobody was hurt.

Zanders said thank you on Twitter to those who have expressed their concerns and prayers, adding that “storms don’t last forever.”

Zanders, who has tallied 57 tackles (5.0 for loss), 3.0 sacks, four pass breakups and a sack over 24 games (nine starts) in his career, is out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

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Swinney offers perspective: Zanders lucky to be alive after fire

Dabo Swinney had some unfortunate news to pass along at the end of his weekly Tuesday media availability. Swinney announced that junior safety Lannden Zanders’ house completely burned down this past weekend. Zanders was asleep and the only one in …

Dabo Swinney had some unfortunate news to pass along at the end of his weekly Tuesday media availability.

Swinney announced that junior safety Lannden Zanders’ house completely burned down this past weekend. Zanders was asleep and the only one in the house at the time. Fortunately, he was able to get out and nobody was hurt.

“We’re really fortunate he’s still with us because he said he sleeps with a fan on,” Swinney said. “And the only reason he woke up was because the fire department had come, and I guess they turned the power off. So that woke him up. The fan wasn’t on. And he wakes up and there’s nothing but fire and smoke. He literally kind of crawled and felt his way out. They didn’t even know there was anybody in the house. The house burned down.”

“Y’all keep the Zannders’ family in your thoughts and prayers,” he added. “Thankfully nobody was hurt. They’ve got insurance and all of that stuff. Lannden said he thinks it came from a fire pit. I guess it was a windy night. Also if you’re got a fire pit, make sure that thing is out fully. So a little bit of perspective and gratefulness that the Zannders’ family is OK. … His dad’s house.”

Zanders is out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

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Clemson’s unavailable players for South Carolina State game

Clemson has announced the players who will be unavailable for Saturday’s game against South Carolina State at Memorial Stadium, and it’s a short list. Safety Lannden Zanders, who’s out for the season with a shoulder injury, is the only player listed …

Clemson has announced the players who will be unavailable for Saturday’s game against South Carolina State at Memorial Stadium, and it’s a short list.

Safety Lannden Zanders, who’s out for the season with a shoulder injury, is the only player listed as unavailable by Clemson, though fellow safety Nolan Turner has also been dealing with an injury that kept him out of the season opener against Georgia. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said earlier in the week Turner won’t play Saturday but is expected to be back in action next week for the Tigers’ ACC opener against Georgia Tech.

The good news for the Tigers is defensive tackle Tyler Davis is available for his first snaps of the season after also missing the Georgia game. Offensive lineman Mason Trotter, who’s dealing with a broken hand, is also active.