Clemson’s Beasley keeping focus on stopping Dawgs

Vic Beasley enters the 2014 season not far from having his name immortalized in the Clemson record books.

Already the nation’s active leader in sacks (21), the Adairsville, Ga., product is seven from a share of the all-time school mark (28, Michael Dean Perry, 1984-87; Gaines Adams, 2003-06).

All that is on the Tiger senior’s mind, however, is the tough task of corralling the Georgia offense Saturday.

“I see a good opportunity for our defense to really make a statement with a big opening game,” he said. “It’s going to be tough to shut down Todd Gurley and that offensive line, but our plan is to do so.”

Last season, Beasley shot out of the gates with a two-sack effort against Georgia, compiling nine in the Tigers’ first six games. He finished by posting top-five efforts in both sacks (13) and tackles for loss (23).

He has an idea of the numbers he’s putting up, but, again, the Tiger ‘D' performance as a whole is his foremost concern.

“I rarely worry about statistics,” Beasley said. “I just try to give my best on the field. Help lead my teammates. I can (be better than last year). Just production. A lot of people look at production – production isn’t really focusing on me.

“I know a lot of teams will be scheming for me, but I feel like I have the ability to affect the opposing team’s offense by helping my other defensive players get to the quarterback. Make plays in the backfield.”

You can’t blame him for echoing his third-year defensive coordinator, who has watched the former player-without-a-position develop into a prime pro prospect.

“A lot of times when that question’s asked, particularly in the media – it’s all about stats,” Brent Venables said. “Sometimes that linebacker played his butt off, and had just three tackles – but geez, he played a terrific game. Guys just doing their job and not trying to do too much. Get that sack. Or get that tackle for loss. Or run that okey-doke swim move on third-and-one and get embarrassed.

“You play within the confines of the system, and if you do, you'll make plays. I don’t get caught in, oh, Vic’s gotta get 14 sacks. Make the plays you’re supposed to make and you’re capable of making, and you'll play good defense.”

Beasley weighed his NFL options this January before deciding on returning – an edge for the Tigers this weekend Venables is more than happy to welcome.

“He’s a very dynamic player,” Venables said. “He gives you a lot of disruption and experience and play-making ability. Anytime you have an experienced guy who brings those intangibles to the table – obviously, you’re excited.

“The biggest thing is hoping that translates into guys committed to playing better, staying humble, playing with effort and all those kind of things.”

This summer, Beasley took the stage for his Clemson diploma, one goal checked off with another big prize still in mind.

“I’m very happy with my decision,” Beasley said. “My main reason for coming back was to get my degree. Obviously, happy about my decision and being able to go out there with my friends and really compete for a national championship another year.”

This story was originally published August 30, 2014 at 12:50 AM with the headline "Clemson’s Beasley keeping focus on stopping Dawgs."