TigerNet.com · Jul 31, 2019
Puppies that bite: Venables looking for runners and hitters on coverage teams
Brent Venables is looking for runners and hitters, like Isaiah SimmonsCLEMSON – Clemson’s kickoff coverage teams were manned by a mix of older and younger players last season, but there will be an infusion of youth this season. What is Brent Venables looking for on that unit? Hitters and runners. Heat-seeking missiles. Puppies that bite.
The Tigers’ recorded 81 touchbacks last season out of 117 kickoffs with opponents averaging just 20.53 yards per return on 32 returnable kicks (some were fair caught). To keep up that level of play, Venables knows he will have to rely on redshirt freshmen to fill in the gaps.