Reserve Clemson safety to transfer

Jefferie Gibson, a safety who played in 12 games as a redshirt freshman for the Clemson football team this past season, has decided to transfer to another school, according to a Clemson team spokesman.

Gibson, who recorded six tackles in his first playing season for the Tigers, was expected to compete for a starting job at safety in 2016 following the departures of 2015 starters Jayron Kearse and T.J. Green, who both decided to declare for early entry into the 2016 NFL draft.

With Gibson leaving the program, rising senior Jadar Johnson and rising sophomore Van Smith are now the only returning safeties on Clemson’s roster who saw playing time in 2015.

Korrin Wiggins, who saw playing time at both linebacker and safety in 2014, could be a candidate to compete with Johnson and Smith for a starting spot. Also on Clemson’s roster for 2016 at safety are Kyle Cote and Tanner Muse, who redshirted as freshmen this past season, and Cameron Scott, who did not see any playing time in 2015 as a redshirt freshman.

Safety commits to Clemson

Clemson is looking to replenish its safety position and Thursday coach Dabo Swinney personally delivered an offer to Nolan Turner (6-foot-2, 190 pouonds) of Vestavia Hills, Ala., and Turner committed during the meeting at his school.

“I was speechless when he offered me,” Turner said. “I didn’t know what to say. It’s a great day.”

Turner recorded 63 tackles with 5 interceptions.

“He said he likes my toughness and work ethic and I play smart,” Turner said. “I know defense well and I get everybody in the right position. I have a good instinct for the ball and I just make plays.”

Turner also was offered by UAB and Alabama offered him a walk-on opportunity. He gives Clemson 19 scholarship newcomers for the 2016 roster.

Phil Kornblut