Mukuba: 'The Best I've Felt' Entering 2023, Spearheads Clemson's Secondary Resurgence

As Clemson continues to gear up for the 2023 football season, junior safety Andrew Mukuba has his sights set on redemption and resurgence after being banged up throughout last year.

Earlier this week, the inaugural AP Poll for the season was released, and Clemson positioned itself at a respectable No. 9. However, this marks a change from the team's recent tradition of securing a spot within the Top 5, signaling a challenge to regain their elite status.

While the offense has battled with consistency over successive seasons, boasting a ranking of No. 82 in total offense during 2021, followed by an ascent to No. 30 last season, it's the Tiger defense that has made up for the lack of explosive offensive plays, but at times it just hasn’t been enough.

Last season, the Clemson secondary faltered, finishing No. 78 in passing yards allowed. This vulnerability was most evident in contests against Wake Forest, South Carolina, and Tennessee, where the Tigers’ secondary proved susceptible to big plays. In fact, the unit allowed ten touchdowns through the air with pass plays of 46, 46, 50, 65, and 72 yards against the Demon Deacons, Gamecocks, and Volunteers.

For the secondary to have a bounce-back year, the veteran safeties must play well and lead the newcomers. Mukuba, the 2021 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, had 50 tackles, four pass breakups, and an interception in 2022 but failed to live up to the lofty preseason expectations. 

"I kind of reflect on everything I went through last year, both on and off the field," noted Mukuba, a Preseason 2023 Paycom Jim Thorpe Watch List nominee.

"I've turned the switch on in my mind and how I do things. I matured both on and off the field. Everything I went through last year made me who I am going into this spring, fall camp, and the upcoming season."

Mukuba’s effort was never questioned because he was flying around the field as usual. However, the versatile player seemed to be a step behind in man-to-man coverage wherever he lined up.

Mukuba explained why he may have taken a step back in 2022.

"I'll just say injuries that's something that slowed me down," he said. "If you're not 100%, then you can't perform to the best of your ability. It's a new year and a new start, and I'm ready."

The journey forward will be interesting to watch, but Mukuba and the rest of the secondary have gotten plenty of quality reps facing off against new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley’s air raid attack.

“I feel like we’ve improved,” Mukuba said of the 2023 group on Monday. “Last year, we had a lot of big plays given up.”

Mukuba, Sheridan Jones, and Tyler Venables also missed a combined ten games last season, resulting in true freshmen defensive backs Jeadyn Lukus, Toriano Pride, and Sherrod Covil seeing early playing time. With Venables out again due to off-season hip surgery, younger players will need to step up, but they have much more experience this year.

"Coming in this spring and this (fall) camp, I feel like this is an area that we’ve really improved tremendously on," he added while discussing the secondary’s progression. "We haven’t given up what we normally used to give up. That’s an improvement. I feel like the communication has improved, and that played a role in how many big plays we are not giving up now."

Jones and Nate Wiggins return as starters at cornerback, and Lukus and Pride add valuable depth. With experienced safeties in Mukuba, Jalyn Phillips, and R.J. Mickens, both Coach Mike Reed and Coach Mickey Conn should feel confident with the unit. Mix in Covil and redshirt freshman Kylon Griffin, and the Tigers have even more options. 

© Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

Clemson secondary players, including safety Sherrod Covil, Jr. (5), Andrew Mukuba (1), linebacker Kobe McCloud (21), safety R.J. Mickens (9), safety Khalil Barnes (36), and safety Jalyn Phillips (25) during preseason practice at the Poe Indoor Practice Facility at the Allen N. Reeves football complex in Clemson, S.C. Monday, August 7, 2023.

Perhaps the biggest issue is that only eight defensive backs on the roster have college game-day experience. However, Mukuba feels confident in the group.

"It's definitely the most depth that we've had," stated Mukuba, who started at cornerback against No. 10 N.C. State for an injured Jones last season. "I haven't taken any snaps at corner yet like I did the last two years. It's just the most that we've had. We've got guys. The good thing is everybody can play, so no matter who runs out there, the depth is good."

The safeties' talents and depth were particularly noticeable in the Orange and White Spring, where Mukuba, Khalil Barnes, and walk-on Bubba McAtee intercepted passes, and Griffin and Covil led their respective teams in tackles. 

While Barnes stole the spotlight for the young members of the secondary during the spring game, Mukuba noted that freshman Rob Billings is a name to watch.

"Rob [Billings] came in this summer, and he learned fast. I've never seen somebody learn that fast. When he comes out to practice, he knows what he's doing for a guy who just got here. He's made some big plays,” Mukuba noted. “It's going to be good for us. He's going to help us, too."

Despite playing with multiple injuries last season, including a dislocated elbow, Mukuba also played at just 180 pounds, significantly lighter than his previous weight of 188. Now, he is fully healthy and ready to go both physically and mentally.

"It feels amazing. It's probably the best I've felt since I've been here, health-wise and body-wise," said Mukuba, who has packed on 12 pounds to his six-foot frame. "I'm at the right weight. So, it's been good. I'm in a good spot, physically, mentally."

With the 2023 football season on the horizon, Mukuba looks to bounce back from a challenging campaign last year. If the Tigers are to climb back into the CFB Playoff, Mukuba's resurgence, along with an improved secondary could be a catalyst to reaching their ultimate goal.

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