Willard hops into spotlight

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CLEMSON - Jonathan Willard's older brother began calling him "Tigger" soon after he was born because he thought Jonathan resembled Winnie-the-Pooh's boisterous sidekick.

Willard's nickname has since been shortened to "Tig," but he still resembles the character in some ways - not the least of which is how he's been bouncing around the Clemson practice field this spring.

The redshirt sophomore linebacker out of Loris has impressed coaches with his speed and playmaking ability.

"I'm really, really encouraged by the progress of Tig," said Kevin Steele, Clemson's defensive coordinator. "The light switch came on for him. He's a totally different player.

"He's always had the ability - he just grasped the concept of the defense."

Knowledge equals production, Willard said.

"I know pretty much everything now so I'm able to play faster than I did last year," Willard said. "I love to dominate my opponent."

Willard played about 50 defensive snaps last season and started on the punt, punt return and kickoff return teams. This spring, the 6-foot-2, 215 pounder has been starting at the weak side linebacker position more often than not.

Brandon Maye, a redshirt junior who is new to the "Will" linebacker position, is battling Willard for the top job, while Quandon Christian and Corico Hawkins also are making strides at inside linebacker.

"The guy I'm really excited about is Tig Willard," coach Dabo Swinney said. "He's having an excellent spring and not making a lot of mistakes."

That may give Willard a leg up heading into the fall. After a redshirt season then a campaign of few snaps, the former four-time state wrestling champion hopes to keep a commanding hold on what he has earned this spring.

"So far it has been very competitive," Willard said. "I'm trying to keep that No. 1 spot - or if not, I'm trying to be high up in the mix."

Whatever the playing time, Willard can count on plenty of support. He said his family is a "Clemson family," and his uncle - Richard McCullough - played on the defensive line at Clemson from 1985-88. It was only natural he would wind up here, too.

"The family just loves Clemson to death," Willard said. "I had my own choice, but it just wouldn't have been right to go anywhere else. It's been a great time so far."

And perhaps on the verge of getting better.

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Thursday, Apr. 01, 2010

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