Despite injuries, Clemson DC Brent Venables confident in DEs

Clemson entered fall camp without much depth at defensive end, and with the Tigers two weeks away from the opener at Auburn, they have less now.

Still, Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables expects the group to be just fine this season, despite losing starting defensive end Austin Bryant until at least Sept. 22 at Georgia Tech and reserve Xavier Kelly for several days after both were injured this week.

“I still think that we’ll be better than a lot of people,” Venables said after Thursday’s practice. “We’ve got some good players there. If people are thinking all of a sudden they can go and attack this weakness, I’m excited for that. I think they’re going to be surprised.”

One of those players expected to be in the mix for playing time at defensive end is sophomore Richard Yeargin.

The Florida native posted 15 tackles and a sack, while seeing action in 10 games in 2015, including the Orange Bowl win over Oklahoma.

With Bryant out, Yeargin said others will have to step up.

“It’s always a stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready mentality,” he said. “We were all going to come in and compete regardless of injuries. It’s really heartbreaking to see him miss out on this opportunity to play against Auburn and these first couple of games we have.”

Redshirt freshman Clelin Ferrell is penciled in at one starting spot, while Yeargin, Chris Register and others will battle for the other.

Another who could receive extended playing time at defensive end, especially until Bryant returns, is sophomore Christian Wilkins.

Wilkins was a Freshman All-American at defensive tackle in 2015, and said at the start of fall camp he would prefer to play tackle, but the Tigers have more depth at tackle than end, so Wilkins spent time this spring and in fall camp working at end.

“I’m glad he did, just the foresight, ‘Hey, let’s see him out here.’ He played it in high school,” Venables said. “Don’t sleep on a 300-pounder, cause that guy can move. He leads our defense in fall camp in second-effort plays.”

Venables added Wilkins spent more time at end than tackle in Thursday’s practice, but played both. He believes Wilkins certainly has the skill set to excel at defensive end.

“He shows up on that screen every single practice with extra effort. He can really move, got great burst,” Venables said. “He’s a sub 5-flat 40 guy at 300 pounds. He’s different and super smart. He’s got a mean pass rush out there, too. We’re lucky we’ve got him.”