In his second season under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, Clemson's secondary has shown notable improvement as the team began fall camp in full pads earlier this week.
"Coach Riley is an incredible offensive mind," said Tyler Venables. "His ability to adapt, adjust, and be unpredictable, with all the motion and other things he's constantly doing, makes his game and our game better."
Venables noted that much of Riley's success stems from his "adapting and innovating" throughout practices. This unpredictability challenges the defense during scrimmages, making the sessions more competitive.
"We've got a lot of explosive playmakers on the offensive side of the ball," said safety Jalyn Mickens. "It really gives us a good challenge every day."
A key factor in the team's development is junior quarterback Cade Klubnik, who enters the season with more confidence and experience. According to the two veteran safeties, Klubnik has not only improved as a player but has also grown as a leader.
"Cade's really grown," Mickens said. "His leadership, his mentality—everything he's been through has built him into who he is now. The adversity and tough times were growing pains, and he's learned from those and developed into a great player. He was good before, but he's a lot better now."
Venables added that Klubnik's increased maturity has been evident as he enters his third season.
"With years in college, you gain maturity, and the game slows down for you the longer you've been in it," Venables said. "But he's a great leader, and people are willing to get behind him. That's a really special and needed thing for a quarterback."
Much of the preseason excitement surrounds freshman standouts Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore, who are expected to make an early impact on the Tigers' offense. According to the two safeties, the hype is well-deserved.
"They're the real deal, and they can absolutely fly," Venables said. "Their route-running ability, ability to read defenders and coverage is top tier. Their quickness, top-end speed, and hands are impressive. I could go on about how good they really are."
Mickens, a fifth-year senior, praised the freshmen as "the best receivers" he has ever seen.
"They've got explosiveness and that deep vertical threat," Mickens said. "Wesco can do it all. They bring a whole different element to the offense."
Despite the attention on the freshmen, Venables and Mickens cautioned that Wesco and Moore aren't the only threats for opposing defenses. They highlighted players like Antonio Williams, an All-American, and Tyler Brown, who led the team in receiving yards as a true freshman, as key contributors.
"We already have deep threats like Adam Randall, Cole Turner, and Antonio Williams," Mickens said. "But we've also got these new guys who are really explosive and bring that spark to the offense."
Venables also spoke highly of the tight end group, led by starter Jake Briningstool, who hopes to make waves in college football next season.
"The good news is our receiving corps doesn't stop with those two," Venables said. "We've got guys at all four positions who can really do it. Our tight end group is incredible. I'm excited for our passing game."