Venables pleased with defense this spring, says Kendrick would start at corner

Venables expects Xavier Thomas to be a top performer SaturdayCLEMSON – Brent Venables was in a good mood following Wednesday’s practice, the last of the spring before Saturday’s spring game.

Once practice was over, Venables spent several minutes talking to 2020 quarterback prospect DJ Uiagalelei and his family before ambling over to meet with the media, just the second time this spring he’s faced questions about his defense.

He was asked about how he feels about his group heading out of the spring, and his face took on a serious cast.

“Terribly disappointed,” Venables said, deadpan.

At that point, Venables smiled and gave his true feelings.

“I was going to give you a dissertation there. No, it's…