Clemson defensive backs coach Mike Reed is in a better place at the safety positions this year than he was heading into spring practice this time last year. Of course the reigning national champions will begin spring practice on March 1 with the return of free safety Van Smith and a host of other players who got valuable experience in 2016.
Reed does have to replace First-Team All-ACC strong safety Jadar Johnson, who led the team with five interceptions. And though that is a tough loss, Reed is in a better situation than last year when he had to find new starters for both positions after losing Jayron Kearse and T.