The Clemson secondary took a major hit when they lost three of their four starters from last season to the NFL — Mackensie Alexander (2nd-round), T.J. Green (3rd-round) and Jayron Kearse (7th-round). Still, the team was able to reload rather than rebuild, and that has led to the defense being ranked 17th in passing yards allowed (183.8 yards per game) and sixth in interceptions (20).
Here are two key players for Clemson’s secondary.
Cordrea Tankersley (#25)
Position: Cornerback
Class: Senior
Height: 6’1
Weight: 200
Hometown: Beech Island, South Carolina
2016 Statistics: 59 tackles, six tackles for loss, four interceptions 10 pass breakups
Player Analysis: Tankersley had a breakout season last year, but he ultimately decided to return for his senior year to try to help improve his draft stock and get another chance at a national championship. Needless to say, he has accomplished both of those goals.
The thing that stands out about Tankersley is his ability to be effective in both zone and man coverage. He has the size (6’1 200-pounds) and strength to be a physical, press cornerback, but he also possesses the instincts to be an effective player in a zone-scheme as well. You’ll see Tankersley read, react and make clean breaks on the football fairly consistently.
Tankersley shows a willingness to set the edge versus the run, but he isn’t the most consistent tackler at the position. He also tends to get a little grabby with his hands at times, which surprisingly doesn’t get called often enough when he is in press coverage.
Versatility is one of Tankersley’s strong suites, as he has shown the ability to switch between both cornerback and safety. He was asked to cover Virginia Tech’s star tight end Bucky Hodges at times back on December 3rd, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see something similar in this game.
Alabama’s tight end O.J. Howard went off against the Tigers last season — putting up 208 yards and two touchdowns on five receptions. It’s entirely possible that Clemson’s defensive staff will ask Tankersley to cover Howard in order to try to prevent a repeat performance. If that does happen, that should open things up for either ArDarius Stewart or Calvin Ridley in the passing game.
Jadar Johnson (#18)
Position: Strong Safety
Class: Senior
Height: 6’0
Weight: 210
Hometown: Orangeburg, South Carolina
2016 Statistics: 56 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, seven pass breakups
Player Analysis: If there was any one player who has stepped up and taken his play to a different level this season, it would be Jadar Johnson. He has been the most underrated player on Clemson’s roster, so don’t be surprised if you haven’t heard of him. The bottom line is you’ll probably get to know him a lot better come Monday night.
Johnson has become known as quite the trash-talker — both on and off the field — but his play has backed it up for the most part. He leads the team in interceptions (5), and that comes as no surprise when you watch him on tape. Despite being listed as a strong safety, Johnson has the range and ball skills to make plays as the single-high safety.
He has decent size, but it might surprise you to see how hard he hits. In fact, Johnson is arguably the best safety in the ACC. He was awarded First Team All-ACC, and if you watch his tape, it’s not hard to understand why. He was also voted permanent team captain by Dabo Swinney, which only further shows his leadership skills as player and teammate.
If the Tigers are going to try to slow down Alabama tight end O.J. Howard after his five catch, 208 yard performance last season, they’ll probably attempt to use some type of combination that heavily includes both Jadar Johnson and Cordrea Tankersley.
Clint Lamb is a columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on Twitter @ClintRLamb.
