Clemson Position 360: Cornerback

Shelton Lewis, who takes over Nate Wiggins' old No. 2 number this season, will be a key part of the Clemson secondary this season.

Ryan Kantor · Contributor · Wednesday, June 12 2024

This offseason, we’ll give you a full 360-degree view of each position group, evaluating how they performed last season, who they lost and gained, and what to expect in 2024. We begin with cornerback, which has become arguably Clemson’s greatest strength as a program.

2023 Performance

Clemson’s cornerback play and pass defense in general went from a major liability to a significant strength. Clemson finished fourth nationally in yards per pass attempt allowed (5.62) and eighth in passing yards per game allowed (173.2). Among cornerbacks, Nate Wiggins finished 5th in the ACC in PFF grade (82.5) and Avieon Terrell finished 11th (77.0). Not to be forgotten, Sheridan Jones (70.9) and Shelton Lewis (70.1) also posted quality scores. Toriano Pride (65.7) and Jeadyn Lukus (63.1) offered even more depth. It was a banner year for Coach Mike Reed’s group.

Departures & Additions

For the fourth time in six years, Clemson had a cornerback taken in the first two rounds of the NFL draft. This time it was Wiggins going with the 30th pick of the first round by the Baltimore Ravens. Additionally, Sheridan Jones exhausted his eligibility, and Toriano Pride transferred to Missouri. Filling their spots on the roster are three freshmen Corian Gipson from Texas and Tavoy Feagin and Ashton Hampton from Florida.

2024 Expectations

Losing a first-round pick will generally lead to some regression. Without Wiggins, Kentucky was able to throw for 306 yards in the Gator Bowl as Lewis struggled upon being fully thrust into the spotlight for the first time. There’s no need to panic, though.

Terrell and Lewis gained valuable experience as freshmen. Coach Mike Reed is a master player developer, so you’d expect that pair to only get better. Lukus was a five-star from Mauldin, SC who now enters his third year at Clemson. Injuries have slowed him down but if healthy, he could challenge Lewis for a starting spot. That’s a trio to feel good about.

Depth could be a vulnerability here. After those three, redshirt freshman Branden Strozier and one of the incoming freshmen (I’ll guess Feagin, but it is way too early to know) will be waiting in the wings. As long as there is not a rash of injuries, I expect the youngsters to be able to fill the role sufficiently and the group to remain a relative strength for the Clemson Tigers in 2024.