Nate Wiggins Likes "Competitive" Atmosphere at Clemson's Spring Practice

Junior cornerback Nate Wiggins has sensed a distinctive air of competition at Clemson's spring practices.

Clemson’s defense knows that last year didn’t live up to the standard set by recent units. The Tigers gave up 20+ points eight times during their fourteen-game schedule in 2022. Now, as the team works through spring practice, there’s a distinct sense of focus on the defensive side of the ball. One of the players who will need to be big for the Tigers is cornerback Nate Wiggins. The 6-foot-2 junior out of Atlanta knows what’s expected of Clemson.

“I feel like we’re all getting better as a group. Everybody is taking their steps. We’ll be a decent group this year, we’ll be way better than last year,” said Wiggins following Monday’s spring practice. “We knew how close we were last year, so now we know what to do. By [the coaches’] leadership and the young guys coming on, helping us.”

So what’s been the difference between this year and last year? Wiggins pointed to the competitive atmosphere around the practices. “I feel like it’s more competitive than last year, in the offense and the defense, I feel like it’s more competitive. There’s more consistency in the defense, we’re having a better start to the spring than we did last year.”

As we mentioned earlier, Wiggins will have to step up as a leader in the secondary. Earlier this spring, defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin was asked what message he has for his talented corner. “Hey, you got the potential to be one of the best corners to come through here,” said Goodwin. “Let’s put it all together on and off the field, and go have an amazing year.”

More Clemson News:

• Bryan Bresee Credits Clemson Football at NFL Combine
• Wes Goodwin Updates Clemson's Outside Linebacker Position Battle
• Clemson Spring Practice Schedule

Follow Christian Goeckel for more Clemson coverage: @goeckelsports