Avieon Terrell Embraces Family Legacy While Making His Own Mark at Clemson
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When Clemson faced No. 1 Georgia in the Aflac Kickoff Classic at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Aug. 31, it wasn’t just another game for sophomore cornerback Avieon Terrell. Not only was the Atlanta native playing in his hometown, but his older brother, A.J. Terrell, former Clemson and current Atlanta Falcons cornerback, was watching from the sidelines as Clemson’s honorary captain.
“Looking back at the film, I played pretty well,” Avieon, who was credited with five tackles in Clemson’s tough 34-3 loss to the Bulldogs, noted. “But I can do better. It wasn’t my best.”
Despite the result, it was a special moment for him.
The former Westlake High standout had the unique experience of playing in the same stadium where A.J., also a Westlake High alum, has made a name for himself as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks.
“It felt good having big bro out there watching me. That was a dream come true, playing in the stadium that he plays in.”
After the tough loss, A.J., now in his fifth year with the Falcons, had simple but meaningful words of encouragement for his younger brother: “He just told me to keep my head up and bounce back,” Avieon recalled.
Terrell and the Tigers bounced back in a major way by demolishing Appalachian State 66-20 in Death Valley behind an explosive 56-point first half. He was a key part of the Tigers’ defensive resurgence, putting together a career night with four pass breakups, just one shy of the school record.
Clemson cornerbacks coach Mike Reed, who has coached both brothers, wasn’t surprised by Avieon’s standout game.“He goes about it with a professional attitude. He works hard. He has a chip on his shoulder,” noted Reed last week. “He’s always got something to prove. For me, it’s been evident since he was nine years old, coming to Dabo Swinney’s football camp. He was always out to prove himself. So it’s nothing of a shock.”
Comparisons between Avieon and A.J. are inevitable. A.J. was a star at Clemson, remembered most for his 44-yard interception return for a touchdown in the Tigers’ 44-16 national championship win over Alabama in 2018. The following year, he was named a 2019 All-ACC first-teamer before being selected 16th overall by the Falcons in the 2020 NFL Draft.
“He’s more of a laid-back player. He’ll get up and just walk off," said Avieon of A.J., the second highest-paid corner in the league, with an $81 million contract. "But ever since I was a kid, anytime I make a play, I get up with a little more passion, just more excitement."
In his description of the two, Reed noted the differences in their height and demeanor. “From a physical stature, one is 6'1, the other? I'll be nice. I’ll give him 5’11,” he said with a smirk and then laughed. Signaling that Avieon may be generously listed at the height in the media guide.
“They both have great ball skills," he continued. "But Avieon is more like a pit bull—he’s in your face.”
For A.J., he told multiple media outlets at the Kickoff Classic that Avieon might even be ahead of where he was at the same point in his college career. Terrell was unaware of A.J.’s comments until Sept. 3.
“Well, it feels good to hear that from him,” he said when told of the remarks. “We train every day in the offseason together when I’m in Georgia. So it feels good to hear him say that. I just have to stay focused, stay humble, and keep working.”
Reed watched A.J. progress from the slim 2017 four-star recruit to a first-round selection, and presently, Terrell, a former three-star recruit, is carving his own path with the Tigers.
Does Reed agree with A.J.? Is Avieon more advanced?
In his view, "I would say that Avieon has had more success at this point than his brother."
"It’s good that he’s getting an opportunity to do it and showcase to everyone that he’s more than just being A.J.’s little brother,” Reed added. “I love the fact that I've been able to coach a brother's tandem like that. Not many people in college football get that opportunity. So I've been blessed.”
With two years left at Clemson, Avieon could potentially follow A.J.’s footsteps into the NFL after his junior year. That could mark the end of the Terrell era at Clemson— or would it?
Is there another Terrell on the horizon? Avieon smiled when asked the question. "Yeah, my nephew," he said of A.J.’s son. "He's five years old. Aundell Terrell. He’s the third."
Reed, who is 52 years old and familiar with young Aundell lll, chuckled at the notion of coaching a third Terrell in a Tigers uniform. “I hope so. I'm just hoping that I'm alive," he quipped. "I want to see it."
