Clemson safety Van Smith does not feel as if there will be a drop off on the defensive side of the ball this fall, but he knows that doesn’t mean someone in the media isn’t going to say it.
In each of the last two seasons, the media has hyped the fact the Tigers lost eight and then seven starters respectfully from the previous two years, but in both cases Clemson’s defense finished ranked in the top 10 in total defense, scoring defense, tackles for loss and sacks.
As a matter of fact, Clemson had led the country in tackles for loss in each of the last four seasons.