Brent Venables does not think his players are challenged by the fact defensive tackle D.J. Reader is taking a hiatus from the football team, but instead excited. Clemson’s defensive coordinator says guys like Christian Wilkins, Scott Pagano, Albert Huggins, Roderick Byers and Jabril Robinson now have a better shot at taking more snaps, which should have them all excited.
“If you asked them, they would probably tell you they are excited. That’s one less guy they have to compete with,” Venables said following Thursday’s practice. “Thank goodness we have some numbers there and we have some quality players, and guys we know without question that we have won with and we are capable of winning with.