Rece Davis explains why Clemson will have the ACC's best overall defense in 2022

Coming off a disappointing season in 2021, Clemson will look to regain its grasp on the rest of the ACC. The perineal College Football Playoff contender’s slip has now convinced rivals across the conferences that there is blood in the water and an opportunity to take the mantle away from the Tigers.

During an appearance on the Gramlich and Mac Lain podcast, Rece Davis talked ACC football and identified the best defense entering 2022. While his answer might not come as a surprise, his reasoning behind the pick could create intrigue.

“I would go Clemson by a hair over Pittsburgh,” said Davis. “I think the front seven is really strong. I know it will be a little bit different, but I remember seeing Dabo (Swinney) at the National Football Foundation and asking him what he was going to do at DC. And he said, ‘Everybody’s gonna think Swinney’s crazy again, but I’ve got this guy,’ and he was telling me about Wes Goodwin.

“So I have a lot of confidence that they will be an excellent defense. I’ll go with Clemson just by a hair over Pitt.”

After long-time defensive coordinator Brent Venables left for the Oklahoma head coaching vacancy this offseason, Dabo Swinney opted to stay in-house with his replacement. As he told Davis, he sees something special in Goodwin.

To the credit of Rece Davis, there is also plenty of talent still on the Clemson defense to hold down the ACC. KJ Henry and Xavier Thomas return for their final season alongside defensive tackle Bryan Bresee up front, with Trenton Simpson and Jeremiah Trotter Jr return at linebacker.

Wes Goodwin has big nickname to live up to

New Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin has a nickname that compares him to one of the greatest head coaches in NFL history. Goodwin is called by some as “Weslichick,” putting him there with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

As a head coach, Belichick has won more 280 NFL games with six Super Bowl championships. He has made the playoffs 18 times. While Goodwin is still very young in his coaching career at Clemson, he is honored to be mentioned alongside one of the best to ever do it.

“I have such great respect for Coach Belichick and all that he’s accomplished,” Goodwin said. “Hopefully one day I can live up to that nickname. But just to even be mentioned in that same breath is truly an honor.”