Which true freshmen on defense could have an impact for Clemson in 2024?

Clemson's 2024 football season will showcase an exciting group of freshmen defensive players poised to make an immediate impact. During a recent episode of Clemson Sports Talk, Swanny discusses the true freshman who could impact on the defensive side of the ball.

Among them are standout recruits like five-star linebacker Sammy Brown, who brings exceptional speed and versatility to the field. Alongside him, defensive linemen Hevin Brown-Shuler and Champ Thompson, though facing a crowded depth chart, are brimming with potential.

At defensive end Darion Mayo, a towering 6'7" four-star prospect, presents an interesting casestudy and could find early playing time due to Clemson's roster needs.

In the secondary, cornerback Corian Gibson, highly rated and promising, is likely to see significant action. Lastly, while safety Ricardo Jones is talented, he will contend with a strong lineup of experienced players for opportunities. 

Defensive Tackles (DT):

• Hevin Brown-Shuler from Columbia, SC. (Pace Academy, GA.)
  • Position: Defensive Line
  • Notable: Talented but may face a logjam for playing time this year
• Champ Thompson from Gainesville, GA. (Gainesville HS)

Defensive Ends (DE):

• Darien Mayo from York, PA. (Our Lady of Good Counsel, MD.)
  • Position: Defensive End
  • Notable: Four-star prospect, 6'7", 250 pounds
  • Potential: Could get early playing time due to roster construction

Linebackers (LB):

• Sammy Brown from Commerce, GA. (Jefferson HS)
  • Position: Linebacker
  • Notable: Five-star recruit, 6'2", 235 pounds
  • Potential: High impact expected; versatile, fast, and dynamic
• Drew Woodaz from Wesley Chapel, FL. (Jesuit HS)
• CJ Kubah-Taylor from Frederick, MD. (Our Lady of Good Counsel)

Cornerbacks (CB):

• Tavoy Feagin from Tampa, FL. (Carrollwood Day School)
• Ashton Hampton from Tallahassee, FL (Florida State University HS)
• Corian Gipson from Fort Worth, TX (Lancaster HS)
  • Position: Cornerback
  • Notable: Highly rated, 94.1 rating from On3, from Texas
  • Potential: Likely to see significant playing time, second highest-rated corner on the roster

Safeties (S):

• Ricardo Jones from Warner Robins, GA. (Peach County HS)
  • Position: Safety
  • Notable: Talented, but faces competition from experienced players like Khalil Barnes, RJ Mickens, and Tyler Venable
  • Potential: Might have limited opportunities due to depth at the position
• Joe Wilkinson from Rome, GA. (Rome HS)
• Noah Dixon from LaGrange, GA. (Troup County HS)