Swinney: Starting Role ‘Very Realistic Goal’ for This DB

Compete for a starting role on the defensive side of the ball.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney believes that’s a realistic expectation for safety Ronan Hanafin this year.

Swinney says Hanafin, a former wide receiver who transitioned to defensive back in August 2024, is progressing “really good” ahead of his junior season in 2025.

As Swinney pointed out, Hanafin has been seeing plenty of action in preseason camp, especially with fellow junior safety Khalil Barnes dealing with what Swinney called a “short-term” injury.

“Compete to be a starter. I mean, that’s a very realistic goal for him,” Swinney said of Hanafin following Clemson’s practice on Wednesday.

“He looks like a DB. He’s moving like a…