CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson safety Tyler Venables, returning for his senior season after a medical redshirt in 2023, spoke with the media on Friday, sharing insights on leadership, the progress of the team, and his own journey as a college football player.
After recovering from a hip injury that limited him to just two games last season, Venables is eager to step into a leadership role. While his father, Brent Venables, now the head coach at Oklahoma and former Clemson defensive coordinator, hasn't given him direct advice on becoming a leader, Tyler noted that his approach is largely shaped by what he's observed.
"I kind of just saw what he would do in situations," Venables said. "Obviously, I'm not a defensive coordinator, so I can't do exactly what he was doing. I can't just make somebody run a lap or something. So you got to find your own ways to lead. I think a lot of it's natural and organic."
Venables emphasized that leadership is about lifting others up, not just calling them out.
"I think it's been good," Venables said of how players have responded to his leadership. "I hope they're not smacking their teeth at me saying, 'What's Tyler saying?' But they haven't done that. So, I try in my leadership to don't ever try to point the finger at anybody. I don't think that's fair. I think we're all on the same level."
Reflecting on his college football journey, Venables expressed a deep appreciation for the time he has left on the field.
"My first two years were long. My sophomore year, especially, was really rough," he recalled. "As a young player, my head's spinning, not really knowing what to do and kind of just hoping it's over. It just happens fast. I have a great appreciation for it because I know I ain't going to take many more snaps."
Venables also shared his thoughts on sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik, noting the significant growth he's seen in him since last fall.
"I think he's obviously gotten another year," Venables said. "But he's a great leader. He's a very natural leader from what I've seen from January to where he is now and people are willing to get behind him. I think that's a really special and needed thing from a quarterback."
Looking ahead, Venables is excited about Clemson's receiving corps, particularly freshmen Bryant Wesco and T.J. Moore.
"They're the real deal," Venables said with enthusiasm. "They can absolutely fly, and their route running ability, their ability to read defenders, to read coverage is top tier."
If you want to place your bet for the NBA, NHL, MLB, College Football or any other sporting events, go to BetOnline.ag and enter the code ACTTV for a 50% welcome bonus up to $1000. with the earliest lines, biggest bets, and fastest payouts, Betonline.ag is the place to go. Don’t forget to use the code ACTTV*!*
The staff at AllClemsonTigers.com will continue to bring you free access to news stories, features, press conferences, recruiting mailbags and game recaps, but Death Valley Domain offers something else.
Want to know more about what’s going on behind the scenes and get exclusive scoops surrounding the team? Snag that membership today and keep up with everything going on around Clemson athletics, a monthly subscription of $4.99 gets you all this and more.
Want to save $10? Sign up for an entire year for just $49.99 right now.
►LIKE us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allclemson
►SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/AllClemson
►FOLLOW All Clemson on Twitter:https://twitter.com/All_Clemson