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Clemson’s coaching staff made a late-summer decision to switch Ronan Hanafin from wide receiver to safety ahead of the Tigers’ 2024 season opener against Georgia. The move was one born out of need, depth, and faith in Hanafin’s athleticism.
Now, 12 months later, the junior is an emerging contributor in a Clemson secondary tasked with containing what could be one of the most dangerous passing attacks in college football when the No. 4 Tigers face No. 9 LSU on Aug. 30.
LSU boasts 2025 Heisman Trophy candidate Garrett Nussmeier, a deep receiver corps, and a pair of tight ends who can stress any defense. Clemson returns All-American candidate Avieon Terrell and Ashton Hampton, who started four games last season as a freshman, at cornerback, and safety Khalil Barnes provides stability on the back end. But depth? That’s where question marks remain.
Head coach Dabo Swinney isn’t worried. In fact, he’s encouraged by the progress his safeties have shown, particularly Hanafin.
“There’s a lot of competition there, and that’s a good thing,” Swinney said. “I like it when we’ve got a bunch of guys that I trust to go play. Like Ronan, for example. He’s had a really good camp. He looks different. This time last year, he was just trying to figure out which way is left and right and up and down. Now he looks the part. He’s in the mix.”
Hanafin’s numbers from 2024 don’t jump off the page, 13 total tackles, one pass breakup, across 89 defensive snaps and 14 games. But his best moments came early, with a four-tackle debut against Appalachian State and a pass breakup the following week against NC State. Most importantly, he gained valuable experience and confidence.
“Just having that full offseason helps so much,” Hanafin said on Monday. “Being able to see everything on the field, having those reps last year, then spring ball, summer, and now fall camp. It makes a big difference.”
Veteran safety Tyler Venables, who has been with the Tigers since 2020 and briefly served as a student coach during an injury in 2023, has witnessed Hanafin’s growth firsthand.
“It’s definitely hard at first within that process,” noted Venables on Monday. “I don’t think he played defensive back since high school. To have to transition there and do it relatively quick has been really impressive. He’s an athlete. He’s tough. He’s fast. He’s physical. On special teams, he showed everybody he could play winning football, whether it’s tackling, getting off blocks, whatever was needed. He’s excelled in this defense thus far.”
Last season, the 6-foot-3, 216-pound Massachusetts native initially transitioned under former defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin, and the defense now belongs to first-year coordinator Tom Allen, who brings an aggressive, detail-driven system to Clemson.
“Just always working on the knowledge part,” Hanafin said of his continual growth at the position in Allen’s system. “Scheme, recognition, all that’s huge. The guys in the room have been a big help, and I just try to learn as much as I can. Then, staying in the best shape possible. That’s where we can keep our energy.”
The Tigers will need every ounce of that energy on opening night in Clemson. LSU’s receivers and tight ends will stress coverages, Nussmeier will test Clemson’s safeties, and the margin for error will be slim.
