Spring Football Awakening: 5 Clemson Tigers Breakout Candidates

5. Avieon Terrell - Defensive Back

Clemson’s secondary is routinely one of the best units on the team, and under the guidance of position coach Mike Reed, the Tigers expect to keep that going in 2024. Nate Wiggins and Sheridan Jones are gone, but Clemson has a few players who appear ready to step in and become stars. One of those is returning cornerback Avieon Terrell. Terrell played some in 2023 and looked like a good player in the making. He’ll have a chance to earn his spot this spring and start alongside one of the best young safeties in America, Khalil Barnes.

2. Vic Burley - Defensive Line

While Peter Woods could go from solid player to star, Vic Burley can go from hyped prospect to rotational piece and starter. Defensive tackles coach Nick Eason has been excited about Burley since signing him from Georgia as a high school prospect, and he was trending towards having a role in 2024 as a freshman. However, a knee injury cost him his season, and he's hoping this spring can serve as a platform to vault him into the rotation.

3. Misun Kelley - Wide Receiver

The Clemson offense had many struggles in 2023: injuries, turnovers (particularly in the red zone), and failure to hit on explosive plays. Perhaps no issue was more significant than the play at wide receiver. Beaux Collins transferred out, and Clemson will rely on the development of returning players plus the arrival of five-star freshmen Bryant Wesco and TJ Moore to elevate the attack and help Cade Klubnik lead a top offense. Wesco is with the team for the spring and could have been featured on this list, but Misun Kelley is a fascinating figure because of his top-end speed. Kelley was featured on kickoff return before injuries forced him to take a redshirt season. "Tink" is from nearby Daniel High School and has the kind of explosiveness Clemson could use badly in a wide receiver.

4. Sammy Brown - Linebacker

Linebackers ready to produce from day one are few and far between, but five-star incoming freshman Sammy Brown appears to be the exception. Brown has been with the program since before Clemson’s Gator Bowl win over Kentucky and will participate in spring practice with an eye on earning a starting job next to Barrett Carter. Brown was an outstanding high school player in Georgia, and the Tigers beat out every other top program for his services. He’s a physical player with great instincts and athleticism and could fill the hole left by Jeremiah Trotter Jr.’s departure to the NFL.

5. Avieon Terrell - Defensive Back

Clemson’s secondary is routinely one of the best units on the team, and under the guidance of position coach Mike Reed, the Tigers expect to keep that going in 2024. Nate Wiggins and Sheridan Jones are gone, but Clemson has a few players who appear ready to step in and become stars. One of those is returning cornerback Avieon Terrell. Terrell played some in 2023 and looked like a good player in the making. He’ll have a chance to earn his spot this spring and start alongside one of the best young safeties in America, Khalil Barnes.