Clemson Depth Chart: Way-Too-Early Look at 2023 Defense

With the return of so many key players, Tigers’ defense has a chance to be one of nation’s best next season

USA TODAY Sports

It appears Clemson’s defense is in good shape as it heads into the offseason. On Thursday and Friday, several key players from the 2022 defense announced their return to Tigertown in 2023.

What does that mean for the Tigers? Well, it does not hurt their chances for next year.

Based on what we’ve gathered thus far, here’s All Clemson’s Way-Too-Early defensive depth chart in 2023:

Defensive End

First Team: Justin Mascoll and Xavier Thomas

Second Team: Cade Denhoff and Greg Williams

Third Team: Zaire Patterson and Jahiem Lawson

The Tigers have to replace Myles Murphy and KJ Henry. I know it sounds crazy because Murphy is the higher draft pick of the two, but losing Henry is a more significant loss. He was the leader of the defense in 2022, plus he was more productive, especially in the key moments. Mascoll’s and Thomas’ returns are big for the position, which does not have much experience behind them. Williams will be a redshirt senior, but he has not played much. Denhoff and Patterson will be redshirt sophomores, so it will be interesting to see how they have progressed over the last two years. Lawson, the younger brother of Shaq Lawson, has been in the program for a whole season now. His ceiling is high, but how much weight and muscle has he gained? That is the key. True Freshman Peter Woods, who can play both inside and out, could possibly help with depth at defensive end, as he is perhaps the most ready-to-play-now player the Tigers’ signed in 2023.

Defensive Tackle

First Team: Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro

Second Team: Tre Williams and Payton Page

Third Team: DeMonte Capehart and Caden Story

Fourth Team: Peter Woods and Vic Burley

With the return of Davis and Orhorhoro, Clemson might have the most experience and depth of anyone at the defensive tackle position. If they had decided to go to the NFL, the Tigers were still in good shape. That experienced duo will certainly help make up for the loss of Bryan Bresee to the NFL, though. Williams and Page are both ready to start and Capehart made huge strides in 2022 and could be a potential starter as well. Story was redshirted last season, so it will be interesting to see how he has progressed. As mentioned, Woods can play either inside or outside, and he might do both in 2023, while fellow true freshman Vic Burley also has the potential to come in and play right away.

WILL Linebacker

First Team: Barrett Carter

Second Team: T.J. Dudley

Third Team: Kobe McCloud

Carter moved over from strongside to weak-side backer when Trenton Simpson missed the Louisville game and excelled. He excelled so much, the coaching staff decided to keep him over there and moved Simpson back to SAM, where he played his first two seasons at Clemson. Carter is arguably the most versatile linebacker in college football. Dudley made big strides as a true freshman, especially at the end of the season. He ultimately jumped LaVonta Bentley on the depth chart and was Carter’s backup in the ACC Championship and Orange Bowl games. He played in four games in 2022 and was officially redshirted. McCloud played in two games and was redshirted, as well.

MIKE Linebacker

First Team: Jeremiah Trotter, Jr.

Second Team: T.J. Dudley

Third Team: Kobe McCloud

Trotter earned second-team All-America honors from the Associated Press, after leading the Tigers with 93 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss. He also had 6.5 sacks. He arguably was one of the best linebackers in the country over the second half of the season. It will be interesting to see what the Tigers do from a depth standpoint at linebacker this spring. With Keith Maguire retiring from football and Bentley transferring, Clemson’s depth at middle linebacker took a shot. Dudley and McCloud can play the position and will likely alternate as second-team backers at WILL and middle.

SAM Linebacker

First Team: Wade Woodaz

Second Team: Jamal Anderson

Third Team: See Nickel Back Position

One of the surprise players from 2022, Woodaz played in all 14 games and started one for the Tigers as a true freshman. He emerged as one of Clemson’s most versatile players on defense, as he played the SAM/Nickel position and played safety as well. He had 20 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss. He also broke up three passes, forced a fumble and blocked a punt. Jamal Anderson, who will be a true freshman, is a four-star player out of Mill Creek, Georgia. He has to put some weight on, but the coaches really like his athleticism and speed. He might can help at the SAM position.

Nickel Position

First Team: Malcolm Greene

Second Team: R.J. Mickens

Third Team: Tyler Venables

Greene missed half the season due to a groin injury that eventually required surgery and forced him to miss the remainder of the season. Mickens started the Orange Bowl at nickel and played well. Venables also missed a good portion of the season due to injuries but likely will alternate with Mickens as the backup nickel.

Cornerback

First Team: Sheridan Jones and Nate Wiggins

Second Team: Jeadyn Lukus and Toriano Pride, Jr.

Third Team: Myles Oliver and Avieon Terrell

What was once a weakness on Clemson’s defense, has now become a strength. Wiggins emerged as one of the ACC’s best cover corners and one could argue he should have won ACC Championship Game MVP honors. Jones did not have the ball thrown on him too much, either. Lukus and Pride got a lot of experience last season and are well on their way to becoming the Tigers’ next two great defensive backs. Oliver recovered from a preseason injury that forced him to redshirt in 2022, but the coaches love his progression and feel he will be right in the mix next season. Terrell is the younger brother of former Clemson star, now All-Pro corner for the Falcons, A.J. Terrell. The true freshman has a lot of the same traits as his brother, and he should have an opportunity to compete for playing time this coming season.

Strong Safety

First Team: Andrew Mukuba

Second Team: R.J. Mickens

Third Team: Kylen Webb

After briefly flirting with the transfer portal, Mukuba returns for a third season. Last year was a tough one for the sophomore. He was forced to deal with injuries all season, including a dislocated elbow and a foot injury. He played through the pain and played in 12 games, including 11 starts. Mickens is like having a third starter at safety. He has emerged as one of the Tigers’ best tacklers and cover guy. Webb was rated as one of the top athletes in the country in the 2023 class. The coaches are excited about what he can bring to the table next fall.

Free Safety

First Team: Jaylyn Phillips

Second Team: Tyler Venables

Third Team: Sherrod Covil, Jr.

A permanent team captain, Phillips' return to Clemson is huge for the defense. He took a big step forward last season in becoming a more consistent player. Rarely does he get out of position. Covil, like a lot of freshmen from last season, gained a lot of experience. The coaching staff really likes his upside, and they think he has a chance to be one of the best safeties Clemson has had.

Want to join in on the discussion? 100% FREE! Interact with fellow Tiger fans and hear directly from publisher Zach Lentz, deputy editor Brad Senkiw, recruiting analyst Jason Priester and staff writer Will Vandervort on any subject. Click here to become a member of the ALL CLEMSON message board community today!
Get your Tiger tickets from SI Tickets HERE
Do us a HUGE favor and like, subscribe and follow us on social media:
►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
More on All Clemson: /college/clemson/