Clemson’s defense aiming to pass 2014 as Brent Venables’ bes

[Bellaaaa]

Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables has put together his share of stout units during his time as a defensive coordinator,womens Aaron Donald Jersey, particularly in the past five years at Clemson.

Venables has led three consecutive top 10 defenses and was named the top assistant coach in the country last season when the Tigers won the national championship.

Of all the defenses he has fielded,Authentic Jared Goff Jersey, the 2014 group stands out. The 2017 Tigers defense is hoping to change that.

“They hear about it a lot because we throw it in their face,Authentic Dan Marino Jersey,” Venables said. “The legacy that those guys have now is pretty special. I know our guys respect that unit and those players for all the intangibles.”

surrendering 260.8 yards per game,The 2014 Clemson defense finished No. 1 in the nation in total defense,Authentic Jarvis Landry Jersey,, and also led the country in tackles for loss with 131.

Vic Beasley and Shaq Lawson., including Stephone Anthony,The unit featured several players currentlyin the NFL, Grady Jarrett

But what made that group so special wasn’t talent, 'Authentic Todd Gurley II Jersey, according to Venables. It was work ethic.

” he said. “That group,“They were just relentless. That’s what I love,[url='http://www.ramscheapstore.com/eric-dickerson-jersey-cheap]womens Eric Dickerson Jersey[/url],you couldn’t satisfy them enough. They wanted more reps. They wanted more meeting time. They wanted more weight room time. They all had a chip on their shoulder. Leadership was just unbelievable.”

Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell has heard about the 2014 defense for three years. womens Dan Marino Jersey,

they set the standard. Coach V tells us that all the time. We just want to make a name for ourselves and engrave our names in Clemson history. We set the standard.”',womens Jared Goff Jersey,'guys like me, Christian (Wilkins) and Austin (Bryant) and the other guys who came in with us,“That’s been a goal of my class in general,” Ferrell said. “The 2014 defense

Ferrell has heard from past teammates and Clemson’s coaching staff about what this year’s defense must do to be considered the best.,womens Todd Gurley II Jersey,

” Ferrell said. “You didn’t have to tell those guys to come in here and do extra,womens Jarvis Landry Jersey,“They were close and they were player-led. That’s the number one thingor you didn’t have to tell those guys to go in there and watch extra film. That was just their mindset.”

Tigers linebacker Dorian O’Daniel doesn’t have to be told about the extra sacrifices the 2014 defense made. He was a part of it.,Authentic Jay Ajayi Jersey,

O’Daniel made 31 tackles while appearing in 12 games,womens Jay Ajayi Jersey, with one start in 2014. He was just a redshirt freshman and followed the lead of others.

” O’Daniel said. “Everyone that’s been around the program knows how legit that 2014 defense has been. You just go down the roster and look where those guys are at now,“I know what it looks like. I know what it takes to get to that level, they’re all in the NFL. I’m thankful because I know what it takes.”

Venables heard all of the praise bestowed upon this defense in the preseason and it continued after Clemson held Kent State to 120 total yards last week.

Could this unit be considered an all-time best? Maybe down the road.'Authentic Aaron Donald Jersey,

But for now Venables will continue to remind this year’s defense about all of the accomplishments of the 2014 group.

“I don’t have my head in the sand. I know what’s talked about out there,Authentic Eric Dickerson Jersey,” Venables said. “I’m just a firm believer you’ve got to go do it. You’ve got to earn it.”