Promising talent, but some questions remain.
Clemson’s secondary was a stabilizing force to an otherwise inconsistent rushing defense in 2024. The defensive backs saw a rising star take another step, with young talent ready to reach another level heading into next fall.
Starting with the losses, the Tigers’ lone starting departure in the secondary is R.J. Mickens, who has his sights set on the NFL.
Mickens was Clemson’s longest-tenured defender among the Tigers’ starters for 2024, closing out his fifth year leading the defense back to the CFP. The former Southlake product was fourth on the team in tackles despite missing out on one game of action during the regular season.