A lot of people want to focus on the loss of linebacker Isiah Simmons and how Clemson will replace the Butkus Award winner this coming season.
Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables built last year’s defense around Simmons’ skills, and it worked perfectly. The Tigers again had a top three scoring defense, were second in the country in forced turnovers and finished the season ranked sixth nationally in total defense.
But this year Venables will not need Simmons’ talent, though he would not mind having him back, to make his defense work. With a revamped defensive front, led by defensive tackle Tyler Davis and defensive ends Xavier Thomas and Justin Foster, the Tigers will go back to their more traditional 4-3 schemes this coming season.