Clemson defense needs Kendall Joseph to take the lead
“We can’t lead for them.”
That was Brent Venables’ message last week at coach Dabo Swinney’s annual media golf outing. Clemson’s defensive coordinator wasn’t shy about the questions he has about the defense and, specifically, which players will step into leadership roles.
It’s not easy to replace players like Ben Boulware, Jadar Johnson, Cordrea Tankersley and Carlos Watkins. Yes, Clemson has a “next-man up mentality,” but that specifically pertains to talent. The leadership piece is harder to sustain.
Just because a player comes to Clemson with a five-star ranking, doesn’t mean he automatically knows how to lead and serve his teammates. Those skills are rare but vital for a football program.
“The hardest thing to do as a leader is sustaining success and sustaining commitment,” Venables said. “Ben Boulware imposed his will all the way until the very last moment of his career. He sustained the commitment.”
Boulware led Clemson in tackles, recording 131 in 14 starts. The linebacker also posted 11.5 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback pressures, four sacks and two pass breakups. He did everything, but was more than his on-the-field production.
Boulware was the heart and soul of Clemson’s defense. Who could forget when he suplexed a Syracuse receiver? Or got the entire crowd pumped up after a pass breakup? Or the way he got in Lamar Jackson’s head during the showdown with Louisville last October?
He led with a passion and with a spirit that couldn’t be matched. He was loud, but he was respected.
Boulware has graduated and moved on to the NFL and Clemson is in need of a new defensive leader.
Enter Kendall Joseph.
“Kendall loves it,” Venables said. “He’s a very selfless player. He’s an excellent player and knows the system very well. He values the players around him. He has a maturity about him and he understands, ‘If I don’t lead, who will?’ ”
Joseph might not be as outspoken as Boulware, but Venables thinks he can become the leader Clemson needs in those second and third levels of the defense. On the field, Joseph was there with Boulware statistically, recording 124 tackles in 2016, 13.5 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback pressures.
If Clemson’s defense is going to be dominant, Joseph will be called upon to become the emotional and mental leader of the defense.
Venables thinks the junior is up for the challenge.
“He values the right things,” Venables said. “He has a willingness to serve his teammates. Kendall has never been one to want to blend in.”