Clemson Tigers defensive coordinator Tom Allen is impressed with the transfer talent brought into the secondary, as the team prepares for its Week 1 game against LSU this weekend. Allen, now in his second season with the Tigers, focused on overhauling the secondary after the unit experienced issues in 2025.
Among the new additions, Penn State transfer Elliot Washington II has been a standout, earning the Takeaway King Award in both spring and fall camp. Washington previously played under Allen at Penn State in 2024. Allen noted Washington’s exceptional ability to attack the football, flashing early and often.
To address the 274.8 passing yards per game given up in losses last season, a significant increase from the 213 yards per game allowed across all contests in 2024, Allen also recruited Old Dominion transfer Jerome Carter III and Southern Miss transfer Corey Myrick. Both safeties, along with Washington, are reportedly improving as they become more comfortable with Clemson’s defensive scheme.
Second-year cornerback Donovan Starr, a transfer from Auburn, has also shown significant progress. Allen indicated that Starr has taken a jump in confidence and is learning to play effectively within the defense. Starr possesses real speed and offers flexibility to play both corner and the TIGER spot, potentially seeing more snaps than anticipated in the upcoming game in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Allen brought in a double-digit number of transfers across the defense to increase competition and push returning players. While this strategy has impacted the entire defense, the secondary is seeing the most new players entering Week 1 with potential starting positions. The official depth chart is expected to be released on Saturday, but Allen expressed satisfaction with the speed, length, and athleticism these transfers bring to the roster.
