Clemson CB Tankersley has made teams pay for throwing his way

A cornerback at Clemson has more than twice as many interceptions as anybody else on the Tigers’ team and is in the top 20 in the country in picks. People who don’t follow Clemson closely might be surprised to learn that cornerback is not All-American Mackensie Alexander.

Junior Cordrea Tankersley knew entering the season he would be challenged, often playing as a first-year starter, especially playing opposite Alexander, who is projected as a first-round pick.

He has made teams pay the price for throwing his way, though, recording five interceptions, breaking up seven passes and adding 12 passes defensed through 13 games. He leads the Tigers in all three categories entering the College Football Playoff.

“It was fun. I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it. It’s something I expected and something I welcomed,” Tankersley said of being thrown at often. “I feel like I’ve made a little bit of a statement. It’s always room for improvement. I feel like I can go out there and add more to my game, but I feel like I’ve kind of established myself, but I still have more to give.”

Despite tying for second in the ACC in interceptions, Tankersley was named third-team All-ACC. Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said the Beech Island native deserves more credit.

“He’s been as consistent a player as we’ve had on that defense all year,” Swinney said. “He’s made a ton of plays, huge plays for us. He’s a physical guy and he’s very confident because of the experience and success that he’s had. He’s just as good as Mackensie. He’s a great player. There’s no question about it.”

Clemson safety Jayron Kearse said while Tankersley is overlooked on a national stage, everyone on Clemson’s defense appreciates what he does.

“He gets overlooked a lot. I don’t know why, but that’s just the way it is right now,” Kearse said. “You can tell just by watching the games, he makes plays. He can tackle, he can cover. He’s a great player and he continues to get better.”

Fellow safety T.J. Green added Tankersley makes it easier for the rest of the Clemson secondary to make plays.

“Cordrea has been great. He goes unheard of because of Mackensie. He’s amazing,” Green said. “He shuts down the other side of the field like Mackensie does. He makes it a lot easier for us to read our keys and not have to worry about the outside.”

Tankersley is unsure if he will return to Clemson for his senior season and he is focusing on the playoff right now. If he does return for his final year, he believes he will be an even better player.

“I feel like I can step into that elite lockdown role and go out there and compete and keep doing what I’ve been doing,” he said.

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 9:24 PM with the headline "Clemson CB Tankersley has made teams pay for throwing his way."