What Dabo Swinney expects from Andrew Booth Jr.

CLEMSON — Andrew Booth Jr. is an essential player to Clemson football in 2021. Cornerback is a major position of concern for the Tigers heading into the season.

The defensive back heads into his junior season with 36 career tackles and a pair of interceptions in 400 snaps over the last two years. With four starts under his belt, Clemson is depending on the Metro Atlanta native to be a big-time performer in the secondary this fall. A second-team All-ACC selection last season, all signs point to Booth being an essential player to the Clemson defensive operation.

Head coach Dabo Swinney is just asking for two things: availability and consistency.

“Availability,” Swinney told reporters on Friday. “That’s it — just be there every week. That’s the only thing that’s kept him from really kind of — you see it, we see it at practice, we’ve seen it on game day. Consistency in his availability. It’s a tough game, he’s had some nagging injuries along the way that have limited his consistency. So that’s really it. Just availability, week in and week out.”

In the past, Booth has shined in singular moments. The cornerback had a one-handed interception in last year’s home win over Virginia, to go along with another one-handed snag in the spring game. The five-star prospect out of Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer High was a player many college football programs wanted due to his playmaking ability. Now Booth just needs to put everything together.

Cornerbacks coach Mike Reed is ready for the upperclassman to take the next step in his development.

“A lot of people saw the big plays and he’s gotta take the next step and be a consistent player,” Reed told the media before the start of training camp. “That’s just a sign of maturing, working harder and being healthy. “

In open practice settings, ClemsonSports.com has seen Booth take some steps forward. The junior looks like one of the better players on the field for the Tigers and that’s something defensive coordinator Brent Venables will need to see throughout the season. Clemson has a defense that is loaded at most positions. The only real question mark appears to be in the secondary.

If Booth can give the Tigers availability and consistency in 2021, there will be no limit on what the Clemson defense can accomplish on the field.

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