Sheridan Jones: Clemson's defense will be 'real scary' as Tigers enter stretch run

On being patient and ready to play:

“It's definitely been tough, feeling ready to go and watching the guys play hard and physically and not being out there to help them.  It's been tough the past couple of weeks not being able to play but I just kept the faith, I knew god was going to be able to put me in position to play when the time was right, so I just stayed ready.”

On being 100% mentally and physically:

“I feel like playing the sport of football, you are never 100% physically. I felt like I was good enough to go out there and make plays.  Mentally I really asked God to put his hands on me as I go back out there and battle.  So it was good.”

On the growth of younger players:

“I try to be a helping hand with those guys all the time-- whether it's off the field or on the field.  Going through the day in the film room with those guys making sure they know the tendencies and the tips.  And even the home game I missed, being on the sideline coaching them up, I was making sure I was in the game and helping them.”

On when he felt comfortable playing:

“Definitely, the first couple plays, I think I head-butted somebody twice, and then I was like, alright, i'm good.”

On the potential of the defense when everyone is healthy:

“I feel like it's gonna be really strong.  We're getting better each week and finally getting everybody back healthy.  It's gonna be scary really soon.”

On coach Goodwin being promoted:

“He's definitely well respected. We all knew he knew what he was talking about.  When Coach V was here, Wes was right behind him. He would ask him what he thought about things.  We all knew Wes knew what he was doing.  I definitely was like, wow, Wes is about to be DC. I think it was the first week, maybe in fall camp. Wes yelled at me for the first time, and I was like, wow! I like it.”