CLEMSON — Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables said after Tuesday’s two-hour practice there is still no decision on whom will be his starters on the defensive line, especially at the tackle positions. It’s expected Malliciah Goodman will start at one defensive end spot, but Corey Crawford and Victor Beasley are battling it out for the starting spot opposite him. At the tackle positions, DeShawn Williams, Grady Jarrett and Josh Watson are vying for the two inside positions.
“The lack of experience is a little concerning so we will have to see how they play and react and fight through the elements,” Venables said. “But, I like the mindset. I like what I see in practice so I’m excited to see them go out and do it now.
“The next 10 days are something we will kind of walkthrough and try to recognize performance and not what the potential might be. We will see who practices the best, and which ones are the most consistent.”
Venables did say, unless something drastically changes in the next week, Bashaud Breeland and Darius Robinson will be the starting corners when the 14th-ranked Tigers play No. 25 Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic.
To help with depth issues, defensive back Garry Peters has been moved from his former position at safety to corner.
Peters recorded an interception in the corner of the end zone during last Saturday’s scrimmage while covering Sammy Watkins.
The Tigers will resume practice on Thursday, which will begin the team’s regular practice schedule for “Game Week” the rest of the year.
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