Clemson's Secondary Transformation: A Transfer Portal Success Story
The Clemson Tigers have undergone a remarkable transformation in their secondary, thanks to the transfer portal. After losing key players to the NFL and other schools, the team needed to fill critical positions quickly.
In just a few days, Clemson secured four top-tier players, two safeties and two cornerbacks, according to head coach Dabo Swinney. He praised the staff's ability to secure their top targets, stating, 'We got our top two safeties. Jerome Carter and Corey Myrick are both juniors, and they are long, fast athletes.'
Carter, an all-conference selection, led the FBS with six interceptions in 2025. During his two years with Old Dominion (ODU), he accumulated 98 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and three pass breakups. Myrick, an all-conference honoree, recorded 91 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two interceptions last season.
Swinney highlighted the players' exceptional skills, saying, 'They are both all-conference players. These are really good football players who fit our team's identity.'
Additionally, Clemson strengthened their cornerback position by adding Elliot Washington and Donovan Starr. Washington, a senior from Penn State, brings speed and talent, with a 4.3-second 40-yard dash time. He played 12 games last season, making 18 tackles, an interception, and three pass breakups.
Starr, a former four-star recruit, was a top target for Clemson before committing to Auburn. However, with the coaching change at Auburn, he decided to transfer to Clemson, where he played nine games as a reserve, primarily on special teams.
Swinney explained the team's strategy, 'We needed more speed. We got our top two cornerbacks: Elliot Washington and Donovan Starr. Washington is a senior, and Starr would have come here straight out of high school, but we took a young man, and he went to Auburn. Then, that kid decommitted, and it was too late to get Donovan. The timing was right, and Donovan came over here.'
With these additions, Clemson's secondary has improved significantly, addressing the pass defense weaknesses from the previous season. Swinney concluded, 'These four players bring speed, length, size, and athleticism to the team.'
Photo by Bart Boatwright
