Crayton Praises New Clemson DC Tom Allen: 'Bringing Energy Like No Other'
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From the very first practice of the 2025 season on Thursday, it was clear: the Clemson defense has a new spark. That unmistakable energy radiates from new defensive coordinator Tom Allen. For redshirt sophomore linebacker Dee Crayton, that energy is both contagious and transformative.
“Man, it's just been great energy, man. Coach Allen's bringing energy to this defense like no other. He's just a great leader,” Crayton said after a recent practice, his voice matching the enthusiasm he described. “He sets the tone every day, and it just makes you wanna go hard every day and just put your best foot forward and just control what you can control.”
From the very first practice in the spring, Allen’s defensive philosophy has been clear—let the Tigers play loose, play together, and play at full speed.
“He always emphasizes playing free and playing fast,” Crayton explained. “I know defensive players really appreciate when we can just fly around and make plays. Just be loud and physical.”
Crayton isn’t the only one who’s noticed. Anyone who’s been near Clemson’s practice fields has likely heard Allen’s voice, constantly encouraging, correcting, and praising his unit.
It’s not just the linebackers or the starters who feel that impact. “Coach Allen just brought everyone up; this whole facility. His energy, when he walks into the room, is just so radiant. It just makes you wanna go hard.”
Allen didn’t arrive at Clemson to simply install a new playbook; he arrived to reshape the culture. Crayton said the players can feel it every day. “He came here for a reason, for us to dominate and be the best defense in the country. So we're just trying to take that day by day. Just get better and just keep growing as a unit and just keep building that energy.”
But Allen’s influence goes beyond football. Asked if there was a moment where he realized Allen was different, Crayton reflected on their first one-on-one meeting.
“The first time I talked to him, literally the first meeting I had with him one-on-one, I really clicked with him. We really didn't talk about football that much. We really talked about our faith and me growing as a young man. I knew from then on, he was just about you as a man.”
That personal connection has made its way directly to the field, according to the Alpharetta, Georgia native.
“His energy just translates to the field. He's just a great man overall. He wants what's best for you on and off the field. He just wants us to dominate life. So everybody in the defense room, including the coaches, the players, we all appreciate him and his energy every day.”
Stories of Allen’s infectious passion aren’t just legend; they’re lived experiences for the defense. Crayton laughed as he described the physicality Allen sometimes brings, even as a coach. “He loves this game. He played it, so he's been coaching for a long time. He just knows what it takes.”
“He really loves what he does. So when you love what you do, you're gonna bring your best foot forward every day. His energy makes us want to go out there and play hard every day. It's something you can't explain.”
Crayton noted that Allen’s energy is consistent and always on full display for the players to witness.
“Every day he comes to that meeting room, he has the same intensity every day. He never shies away, and that's exactly what we need on defense,” Crayton continued. “I feel like that's helped us just come together as a unit and just grow together.”
For Crayton and the rest of the defense, the Allen era is about more than just scheme. It’s about togetherness, relentless energy, and striving to be “the best defense in the country.” If this group can match its new leader’s intensity, Clemson fans could be in for something special this fall.
