By Jackson Sexton | Clemson Sports News
For nearly eight years, Dabo Swinney has been one of college football’s most prominent coaches pushing back against the sport’s growing reliance on the transfer portal. That stance has made Clemson one of the more unusual programs in the modern era of roster construction, especially as many of the Tigers’ rivals have aggressively rebuilt their rosters through transfers.
That is why Clemson’s approach this offseason represented such a notable shift.
With the backdrop of the investigation into Ole Miss regarding alleged tampering involving Clemson transfer linebacker Luke Ferrelli, Swinney’s decision to bring in nine transfers to help strengthen and refresh the roster—particularly on defense—was significant. Now, with Bill Belichick and the undefeated North Carolina Tar Heels coming to Death Valley on Saturday, Clemson’s transfer additions could play a major role in determining how the Tigers begin ACC play.
What Clemson’s Defense Must Prepare For
North Carolina enters the matchup with a diverse and productive group of receiving options.
In the Tar Heels’ season-opening victory over TCU, North Carolina receivers combined for 16 receptions and 232 yards. Against ETSU last week, that production increased to 18 receptions for 266 yards. Clemson’s passing game has yet to match either of those performances through its first two games.
Jelani Thurman has been one of North Carolina’s most productive targets, recording four catches for 94 yards against TCU before adding four receptions for 71 yards against ETSU.
A major reason for North Carolina’s improving passing attack has been the development of transfer quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who appears increasingly comfortable in the Tar Heels’ offense.
Against ETSU, Edwards completed 15 of 20 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns while leading North Carolina to a 35-3 victory. Perhaps just as importantly, he has yet to throw an interception this season. A matchup against a mid-major opponent such as ETSU may not provide the same challenge Clemson will present, but it gave Edwards another opportunity to become comfortable within a new offensive system.
That makes Clemson’s revamped secondary particularly important this week.
Swinney announced that three of Clemson’s four defensive transfers in the secondary are expected to start for the second consecutive game: Corey Myrick, formerly of Southern Miss; Jerome Carter III, from Old Dominion; and Elliot Washington II, from Penn State.
Their presence could be especially important against a North Carolina offense capable of attacking the Tigers vertically.
Against Georgia Southern, Myrick recorded four solo tackles, while Washington and Carter each finished with three. Swinney has repeatedly praised the group’s development in both practices and games, even acknowledging that their early success has increased his confidence in selectively using the transfer portal when Clemson has a specific roster need.
If that progression continues, Clemson could be looking at a significant improvement from the pass-defense issues that hurt the Tigers a season ago. After what Clemson showed defensively against LSU and Georgia Southern, Saturday represents another important step—and the first real conference test for this rebuilt secondary.
The Transfers Can Impact the Entire Defense
Strong defensive play rarely happens in isolation. When one position group consistently handles its responsibilities, it allows the rest of the defense to play faster and more aggressively.
That is where Clemson’s secondary could have an impact beyond simply defending North Carolina’s receivers.
If the Tigers can limit Carolina’s passing attack and force Edwards to hold the football longer, Clemson’s defensive front will have more opportunities to create pressure. Likewise, tighter coverage can allow Clemson’s linebackers and safeties to attack the running game with greater confidence.
Ronan Hanafin has already shown signs of becoming an important piece of that equation.
Against Georgia Southern, Hanafin recorded four solo tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss, continuing the strong progression Swinney praised throughout the offseason. As a senior safety, Hanafin has the experience to become one of Clemson’s defensive leaders and help connect the secondary with the front seven.
That leadership becomes even more important with defensive tackle Vic Burley returning from suspension.
North Carolina possesses a talented group of running backs, making Burley’s return well-timed for a Clemson defensive line that has already shown flashes of dominance.
Against Georgia Southern, the Tigers held the Eagles to just 22 rushing yards on 18 attempts. Clemson also forced eight three-and-out possessions and created three fumbles, allowing the defense to control the game even while the offense struggled to consistently pull away.
While Hanafin delivered one of his best performances, Will Heldt was arguably Clemson’s most disruptive defender. Heldt finished with three solo tackles, two sacks and three tackles for loss, providing exactly the kind of backfield pressure Clemson will need against North Carolina.
Adding Burley back into the rotation should only provide Clemson with another powerful interior presence capable of collapsing the pocket and disrupting the Tar Heels’ running game.
A Chance to Set the Tone for ACC Play
Clemson’s first two games have produced more questions than many expected.
The Tigers opened the season with a difficult performance against LSU before defeating Georgia Southern 22-7 in a game many anticipated would be much more one-sided. Now North Carolina arrives in Death Valley for what feels like the first true measuring-stick game of Clemson’s conference season.
This matchup should provide a clearer picture of where the Tigers stand.
Can Clemson’s transfer-heavy secondary slow down North Carolina’s passing attack? Can the defensive front build on its dominant performance against Georgia Southern? Can Burley’s return add another dimension to the interior defensive line? And can players such as Hanafin and Heldt continue emerging as leaders of a defense that Clemson will likely need to depend on throughout the season?
For Swinney, Saturday could also provide further evidence that his evolving approach to the transfer portal can work within Clemson’s program.
The Tigers have not abandoned the recruiting and developmental philosophy that has defined Swinney’s tenure. Instead, Clemson appears to be using the portal more selectively—adding experienced players where immediate help is needed while continuing to build the majority of the roster through high school recruiting.
The early returns on defense have been encouraging.
Now comes the next test.
With Hanafin providing veteran leadership, Burley returning to the defensive front, Heldt creating havoc and Clemson’s transfer additions settling into major roles in the secondary, Saturday offers an opportunity for this defense to establish its identity heading into ACC play.
Clemson Sports News will provide continued coverage leading into Clemson’s matchup with North Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 19 at noon, along with breaking news and updates throughout the week.
