RJ Mickens joins Barrett Carter in return. Clemson now waits on Shipley, Mafah.

The Clemson football program got a big boost with the return of Barrett Carter and now RJ Mickens.

With Andrew Mukuba now headed to Texas and Toriano Pride now at Missouri, Clemson had some gaps to fill. Add to that the departure of Nate Wiggins to the NFL and you get a fuller picture of what Clemson's coaching staff was looking at in the secondary next season. But they may have found a reprieve.

RJ Mickens, a safety who has started 16 games for the Tigers, announced that he was returning for his final season. 

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Mickens will provide invaluable leadership and experience to a group that badly needs it. Clemson will be relying on mulitple sophomores and freshmen in big spots next year and Mickens will be their guide.

During 2023, the Texas native accumulated 41 total tackles, 3 pass deflections, and 1 fumble recovery. His standout game came against Wake Forest with 9 total tackles and a fumble recovery. As a safety that can cover ground and come up to fill in the run game, he can push for All-ACC.

Mickens represents another starter who could have gone pro but instead wanted to finish their eligibility, joining linebacker Barrett Carter. Clemson now turns their eyes to the decisions of Will Shipley and Phil Mafah.