Clemson’s Venables values players with intangibles

When Clemson led the nation in 11 categories and lost the same number of players to the NFL, the questions surrounding the Tigers’ defense start to become mysteries.

Ever-intense Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables is less worried about the loss in talent (six defensive lineman, two linebackers and three defensive backs) and more concerned about who will develop into leaders this season.

“The talent is there, but the depth isn’t,” Venables said. “We had incredible chemistry the past couple of years, and that comes from a good culture and attitude. If we can get the chemistry taken care of, we’ll be fine.”

Venables’ unit was the No. 1-ranked defense in the country this past season, and though it might have looked easy at times, he says that it came down to a culture that has increased Clemson’s defensive ranking each season since he joined the school’s staff in 2012.

“They met a standard day in and day out,” Venables said. “They took it on their shoulders, and it was cool to see – not in the middle of the season – it was cool to see at the end of the season when we were whooping Oklahoma.”

Venables said it will be difficult to replace so many players who set examples on how a successful team plays.

“We’ve got talented guys, but you can’t have talent without the intangibles,” he said. “In most cases, the intangibles are more important than talent, because you can get more with less with the right attitude.”

Venables pointed to one of next season’s starting linebackers, Ben Boulware, as an example.

“It’s not a knock on Ben, but he doesn’t have the same type of measurables as Stephone (Anthony),” Venables said. “He doesn’t have the speed, the same arm length as Stephone, but he has all the intangibles that a great leader has and he has a chance to be just as good as Stephone.”

Clemson is less concerned about having to find the next Vic Beasley or Stephone Anthony – both first round NFL Draft picks – and more concerned with finding players who will buy in and continue the focused mindset Venables expects.

“At the end of a tough practice and we’re running sprints, and inevitably you have some guys asking ‘How many?’ … Well you may have the right team and the right leadership, but when the guys at the front of the line is asking ‘how many?’ you have problems,” Venables said.

Heading into fall camp in a couple of weeks, Venables said he expects the depth chart will change often, perhaps daily, until he is satisfied.