Venables ready for return: 'Healthiest I’ve been in a long time' as Clemson opens spring

Senior safety Tyler Venables addressed the media on Wednesday, Clemson’s first day of spring practice. Venables has been plagued with injuries the past few seasons noting with a laugh that he has hamstrings made from “frozen Twizzlers.” 

Despite undergoing hip surgery last year, Venables appears to be in an optimistic state, both mentally and physically, as he prepares to rejoin the field.

Sounding eerily similar to his father’s gravelly voice, former Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, the younger Venables said that this is the most that he has paid attention to his body in terms of eating right and consistently stretching.

Venables added that he thinks he’s taken the proper precautions to limit re-injury. “This is the healthiest I’ve been in a long time,” Venables said. “I feel really healthy right now.” 

Venables was asked about safeties R.J. Mickens and Khalil Barnes, who are primed for a big season for the Tigers. Mickens is returning for his final year of eligibility at Clemson after starting in nine games last year. The fifth-year safety ranked third in tackles for the Tigers last season.

Reflecting on Mickens' decision to return, Venables emphasized the value of their camaraderie, remarking, "Being able to spend time with him and share life experiences means a lot to me."

As Mickens mulled the decision, Venables, who is his roommate, knew a bunch of people asking Mickens about the decision and didn’t want to add stress to him. Instead, when Mickens was making his decision to return or not, Venables would try to be an ear for him instead of trying to tempt him.

“I just try to ask him what are you thinking and give me some pros and cons,” he said. During the process, Venables said that Mickens helped him figure out some things for himself as well. “He means a lot to me. He’s really smart, and I’m just blessed to have him back for another year.”

Venables also spoke highly of true sophomore safety Khalil Barnes. Barnes is coming off a great first season, being voted to the Freshman All-American team. Barnes became the first player in the Dabo Swinney era to record multiple forced fumbles and interceptions in a freshman season.

“That’s not the norm to play like he did,” Venables said. He praised Barnes for his vocal presence and the physical presence he brought to the football field. Barnes has become a household name for Clemson fans and gained national praise as the season ended.

“He’s made a name for himself but knows that can go away real quick if he doesn’t bring it to the table and fight for his team,” Venables said. He adds that Barnes would be the first to say that last year doesn’t mean anything anymore. “He’s got everything to prove,” Tyler adds.

One of Venables’ favorite moments from Barnes’ freshman season was his performance against South Carolina. In the game, Barnes recorded a 42-yard fumble return for a touchdown then had an interception on the next play from scrimmage. “Obviously not the norm, though,” Venables said, “We’re thankful to have him back.”