Clemson’s defense aiming to pass 2014 as Brent Venables’ best unit

Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables has put together his share of stout units during his time as a defensive coordinator, particularly in the past five years at Clemson.

Venables has led three consecutive top 10 defenses and was named the top assistant coach in the country last season when the Tigers won the national championship.

Of all the defenses he has fielded, the 2014 group stands out. The 2017 Tigers defense is hoping to change that.

“They hear about it a lot because we throw it in their face,” Venables said. “The legacy that those guys have now is pretty special. I know our guys respect that unit and those players for all the intangibles.”

The 2014 Clemson defense finished No. 1 in the nation in total defense, surrendering 260.8 yards per game, and also led the country in tackles for loss with 131.

The unit featured several players currentlyin the NFL, including Stephone Anthony, Grady Jarrett, Vic Beasley and Shaq Lawson.

But what made that group so special wasn’t talent, according to Venables. It was work ethic.

“They were just relentless. That’s what I love,” he said. “That group, you couldn’t satisfy them enough. They wanted more reps. They wanted more meeting time. They wanted more weight room time. They all had a chip on their shoulder. Leadership was just unbelievable.”

Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell has heard about the 2014 defense for three years.

“That’s been a goal of my class in general, guys like me, Christian (Wilkins) and Austin (Bryant) and the other guys who came in with us,” Ferrell said. “The 2014 defense, they set the standard. Coach V tells us that all the time. We just want to make a name for ourselves and engrave our names in Clemson history. We set the standard.”

Ferrell has heard from past teammates and Clemson’s coaching staff about what this year’s defense must do to be considered the best.

“They were close and they were player-led. That’s the number one thing,” Ferrell said. “You didn’t have to tell those guys to come in here and do extra, or you didn’t have to tell those guys to go in there and watch extra film. That was just their mindset.”

Tigers linebacker Dorian O’Daniel doesn’t have to be told about the extra sacrifices the 2014 defense made. He was a part of it.

O’Daniel made 31 tackles while appearing in 12 games, with one start in 2014. He was just a redshirt freshman and followed the lead of others.

“I know what it looks like. I know what it takes to get to that level,” O’Daniel said. “Everyone that’s been around the program knows how legit that 2014 defense has been. You just go down the roster and look where those guys are at now, they’re all in the NFL. I’m thankful because I know what it takes.”

Venables heard all of the praise bestowed upon this defense in the preseason and it continued after Clemson held Kent State to 120 total yards last week.

Could this unit be considered an all-time best? Maybe down the road.

But for now Venables will continue to remind this year’s defense about all of the accomplishments of the 2014 group.

“I don’t have my head in the sand. I know what’s talked about out there,” Venables said. “I’m just a firm believer you’ve got to go do it. You’ve got to earn it.”

This story was originally published September 4, 2017 at 3:24 PM with the headline "Clemson’s defense aiming to pass 2014 as Brent Venables’ best unit."