Without question, the secondary was Clemson's weakest position last season. In order for Clemson to be a top 10 or even top 5 program the secondary needs to perform much better. Last year the secondary suffered from depth issues but also lacked talent. The coaching staff addresses both of those issues by bringing in 9 defensive backs in the past recruiting class to address the depth issues but those 9 are very talented. Clemson will certainly rely on a few of the Freshman this year early and often.
Cornerback
Bashaud Breeland, Garry Peters, and Darius Robinson return after a lot of playing time last year. But none of the 3 were consistent or solid. Breeland is the most likely of the 3 to start. Martin Jenkins, who missed all of last year due to injury will push for playing time. 5 star freshman Mackensie Alexander will compete for playing time right away and could be the best DB Clemson has the second he sets foot on the practice field for the Tigers. Freshman Adrian Baker should also compete for playing time at DB too.
Safety
[caption id="attachment_643" align="alignleft" width="159" caption="Blanks has solidified his role as a starter"]
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Travis Blanks appears to be the only lock to start in the secondary. His playing time increased throughout his freshman season and he showed the consistency to solidify himself as a start. The big question will be who will play the other safety spot and the nickelback position that defensive coordinator Brent Venables uses quite a bit. The other safety spot is wide open. Jenkins will compete and could start but Robert Smith exited spring as the listed starter. Look for Jenkins to play a similar role to what Xavier Brewer did last year; play corner and safety. Also, Jadar Johnson has entered the 2 deep but there will be other freshman coming in to complete for time a safety. Jayron Kearse, Korrin Wiggins, and Adrian Baker. If Kearse is unable to start a safety he should be the guy selected to play the Nickelback role. If there is a guy to come out of nowhere and get playing time it could be Ryan Carter who was offered very late in the recruiting process. Carter plays with passion and had a knack for making big plays while at Grayson.
Projected Depth Chart
Starting Corners: Bashaud Breeland, Mackensie Alexander
Backup Corners: Garry Peters, Darius Robinson, Adrian Baker
Starting Safeties: Travis Blanks, Martin Jenkins
Backup Safeties: Robert Smith, Jayron Kearse, Jadar Johnson
Nickelback: Jayron Kearse
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