Clemson defense has responded the right way in practice this week

Dabo Swinney didn’t like the fire and intensity the Clemson defense played with this past weekend against Furman, but that hasn’t been an issue in practice this week.

Swinney said Wednesday night that leaders have stepped up for the Tigers on that side of the ball the past few days.

Clemson was outgained by Furman this past Saturday as the Paladins went 10-for-18 on third down. The Tigers host Louisiana Tech Saturday night at 8 p.m.

“It’s a veteran group. We’ve got some depth. A lot of guys that know what it looks like, so they’ve been good,” Swinney said. “A good couple of days.”

Defensively, Clemson starts eight players who are at least in their third year in the Tigers program.

That includes defensive end KJ Henry, who is a fifth-year senior.

“I think it starts with KJ,” Swinney said. “I think he’s really established himself as a consistent leader day in and day out. He’s a very respected guy. He’s earned it through camp.”

In the secondary, Jalyn Phillips is a senior who starts at safety for the Tigers, while cornerback Sheridan Jones is also a senior starter.

Junior Tyler Venables comes off the bench for Clemson but plays a pivotal role in the Tigers defense. He is currently tied for fourth on the team in tackles with 10.

Swinney likes what he has seen from all three of those upperclassmen this week.

“Really pleased with JP on the back end,” Swinney said. “I think he and T-Bone are very fiery, leader type of guys. A lot of passion. I think Sheri’s a really good leader for us.”

Clemson has some youth at linebacker with junior Trenton Simpson, sophomore Barrett Carter and sophomore Jeremiah Trotter starting.

But there are a couple of veteran reserves in LaVonta Bentley and Keith Maguire who have stepped up as vocal leaders this week.

All in all, Swinney feels good about his defense, despite its performance against Furman.

He expects the group will bounce back the right way this week.

“This will be a really tough challenge for us Saturday night that I’m looking forward to seeing how they respond,” Swinney said.