Clemson Spring Game: Standout Performances

The top performers from Clemson's Orange and White Spring Game on Saturday.

Clemson's 2023 Orange and White Spring Game was a mixed bag. On one hand, it was a great turnout from the Clemson faithful. Over 50,000 fans filed into Memorial Stadium to get their first glimpse at the Tigers. On the other hand, the offensive explosion they were hoping to see from new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley was replaced by smothering defense and shaky protection from a thin offensive line.

With that said, there were still plenty of notable performances from some players that look like they'll earn their way on the field early in 2023. From smothering secondary play to hard-nosed running, here are the top performances from the White team's 20-23 victory over the Orange team.

Khalil Barnes (left) came up with the game-winning score on a 4th quarter pick-six. (Clemson Athletics)

• A lot of attention on the Clemson secondary has been given to Andrew Mukuba and Nate Wiggins and for good reason. Mukuba and Wiggins have played great football this spring, but it was Mukuba's running mate at safety, R.J. Mickens, that had the best game on Saturday. Mickens was a force, breaking up two passes and intercepting Klubnik's 4th and goal attempt in the 2nd quarter. His performance on Saturday shouldn't come as a surprise to fans. The senior defensive back led the team with 3 interceptions in 2022 and has been rock solid since taking over as a starter.
• Phil Mafah had the explosive plays on the ground Saturday, but it was backup running back Domonique Thomas that led the way for the Tigers. Thomas totaled 63 yards on the ground and found the endzone in the first half. Will Shipley and Phil Mafah will be the guys come this fall, but Thomas and fellow back Keith Adams Jr. will be in for a good amount of carries. Adams is a big-bodied back that can bring the boom, while Thomas is incredibly shifty and might be the best back on the team at finding a crease.
• Dynamic freshmen were the story on defense for the Tigers. For the Orange team, top-recruit Peter Woods lived up to the hype. Woods tallied 7 tackles including a sack and blocked a PAT. He was seemingly unblockable on the interior and showed great hustle. He'll be a part of the defensive tackle rotation early, if not starting. The other first-year defender that stood out was Khalil Barnes, a defensive back out of North Oconee. This was a steal in recruiting by Dabo Swinney and his staff, going into Georgia's backyard to snag Barnes. He helped lead his North Oconee team to deep runs in Georgia's AAAA State Playoffs in his junior and senior seasons, playing running back and defensive back. On Saturday, Barnes stuck a receiver for a loss on a bubble screen, broke up another pass, and of course, jumped a Christopher Vizzina pass and took it to the house for the game-winning score. 
• Banks Pope (67) and Jake Briningstool (56) were 1 & 2 in receiving yardage for Clemson on Saturday. If any one position stands to benefit the most from Garrett Riley's new scheme, it appears to be the tight end group.