Clemson Defensive Tackles Face Depth Concerns, One Player Could See Increased Role
Clemson's defensive line has already been tested, and the challenge has become even greater at defensive tackle.
After a disappointing performance against No. 8 LSU, the Tigers are preparing to move forward without one of their starters while waiting on two players to potentially return.
“Terrible,” is how Clemson coach Dabo Swinney described the play of both lines of scrimmage in Saturday's loss.
Asked Tuesday what he attributed the poor performance to, Swinney didn't point toward his players.
“Coaching-- on us, because the kids played hard,” Swinney said. “We didn't get it done as coaches. That's what I attribute it to.”
Defensive tackles coach Nick Eason echoed that accountability while pointing to the issues that led to LSU's success. The defense surrendered 309 yards, including a combined 191 yards in the first half from quarterback Sam Leavitt and running back Dilin Jones.
“I take accountability for Saturday's performance. Obviously, not up to the standards that we have for our team, and I take accountability for that. Coach [Swinney] allows me to be the head coach of my position, and we didn't perform well.”
Eason said the problem wasn't effort or preparation, but execution.
“I really do think that our guys played with a lot of effort. It wasn't effort; comes down to technique and fundamentals, and just getting better with the fundamentals of the game and making those routine plays,” Eason added. “But I think we had great preparation. We just didn't perform at game time, and it starts with me.”
The Tigers now have to correct those issues with a defensive tackle room that has been hit by injuries and another absence.
Clemson entered Baton Rouge without Hevin Brown-Shuler, Kourtney Kelly, and Vic Burley. Then starter Markus Strong went down during the game and had surgery Wednesday, ending his season.
That leaves Amare Adams, Andy Burburija, Champ Thompson, Devarrick Woods, Kam Cody, Makhi Williams Lee, and former offensive lineman Dietrick Pennington as the available options against Georgia Southern. All seven saw the field Saturday.
Thompson, Burburija and Woods were among the defensive tackles discussed by Swinney and Eason on Tuesday. Pennington also emerged as an intriguing option after playing his first career snaps on defense against LSU.
At 6-foot-5 and 355 pounds, Pennington has the size to make an impact, and Eason believes he has earned a bigger opportunity.
“He's been working really hard,” Eason said. “Played six plays in the game, and it was really impressive. And so you talk about earning it, and what he put on tape, he earned the right to play more this week.”
Pennington's increased role could be one of the storylines to watch as Clemson searches for more consistency on the interior.
Reinforcements could also be coming.
After his Aug. 22 arrest and subsequent conditional discharge, Burley will be back with the team and on the sideline after having his suspension lifted, although Swinney said he still must continue to do what is asked of him. Kelly, meanwhile, could return from his knee injury soon, but Swinney did not provide a specific timetable for either player's return to game action.
Eason's focus, for now, is on the players available and the opportunity to respond this weekend.
“And so, next opponent is this weekend against a really good football team,” Eason said. “And just decided to go to work with the men that we have on our roster because we got everything we need, and those guys are ready to fight, and I know they will.”
