Coach -

Wes Goodwin, #16 Clemson's defensive coordinator and linebackers coach since December 2021, has orchestrated one of the nation’s most formidable defenses. 

Under his leadership, Clemson's 2023 defense led the nation in takeaways and defensive touchdowns, setting school records in multiple categories. 

Clemson looks to build on their defense as the offense settles in and establishes themselves in 2024. Let’s take look at the Tiger’s season and then get into Coach Goodwin’s use of pressures on defense.

Season Preview Capsule

Clemson's 2023 season was a step back from their usual dominance. Turnovers and a lack of offensive firepower cost them key games. While the defense remains strong, the offensive line looks to improve and the receiving corps looks for their next star to emerge. 

This year's team has a lot of young talent and a workable schedule. The offensive line, running game, and receiving corps all have potential for improvement. The defense, while losing key players, has a strong core and talented newcomers ready to step up. This season will be a test of whether Clemson can recapture their championship form.

Clemson Strengths

Offense:

• Running Game: Talented backs Phil Mafah and Jay Haynes provide a strong rushing attack.
• Quarterback Potential: Cade Klubnik has shown promise and could develop into a star.
• Receiving Corps Depth: While lacking a top target, Tyler Brown leads a group with experience and incoming freshmen.

Defense:

• Linebacker Corps: Led by the potential national-best linebacker Barrett Carter, the linebacking group is young but talented.
• Defensive Line: Despite losing key players, Clemson has a strong core with Peter Woods, DeMonte Capehart, and Payton Page.
• Secondary Potential: With solid safeties RJ Mickens and Khalil Barnes, the secondary has the potential to be a strength with development from young corners.

Clinic: Game Week Process and Hot Pressures

Coach Goodwin's presentation emphasized the responsibilities of a coach, particularly the importance of maintaining and organizing systems. 

Goodwin points out, as a defensive coordinator, it's crucial to coach your staff as well as your players. Defining and outlining the tasks for each coach ensures clarity and efficiency in executing the game plan.

Identifying each coach's strengths and aligning them with specific responsibilities enhances the overall effectiveness of the team. 

This approach creates a collaborative environment, combining multiple perspectives into a cohesive strategy for optimal results.

Coach Goodwin explains this concept in his video, "Game Week Process."

Video: Game Week Process

Coaches seek cost-effective strategies that require minimal time to install but yield maximum results, and hot pressures fall into this category.

Adding hot pressures allows for 2-deep, 3-under coverages with six rushers.

These calls can be tailored to specific formations, exploiting the offense's consistency and pass-blocking schemes to free up a rusher.

Hot pressures also enable expected rushers to drop into coverage, particularly if the offense is sliding protections towards a key player. This approach improves the chances of reaching the quarterback.

Coach Goodwin provides an example with his inside hot pressure technique:

Video: Texas Pressure

Yes, use these pressures in multiple situations. However, if you create various pressures that differ from these schemes, you must teach timing—specifically, which backer or rusher goes first—and ensure you maintain gap integrity. While it may sound simple, failing to do so can lead to problems if all rushers are out of position.

For more details, watch the Texas vs. Run segment in Coach Goodwin’s next video. He effectively outlines their scheme and what they aim to take away

Video: Texas Pressure vs Run

Coaches often strive to create perfect schemes, but there's a balance to be struck defensively. Overly creative schemes can leave you vulnerable, while overly conservative approaches can miss opportunities.

Use pressures, but also incorporate counters, changeups, and disguises. Influence both players and the coordinator by keeping the initial look consistent while changing gaps or attack points. 

Occasionally, even a star line of scrimmage player may drop into coverage. Know your personnel, but don't hesitate to try something unconventional. You can't steal second base with your foot still on first!

-Coach Grabowski, Coach Kauffman and the CoachesClinic Team

Other Clinics from the Clemson Staff:

How to Compartmentalize Plays - Matt Luke, OL

OL Clemson Way - Robbie Caldwell, Ex OL Coach

Receiver Play with Will Swinney- How to Improve your Craft

Resources for the 2024 Season:

2024 Defensive Coordinator School Bundle 

2024 Prep for Camp - Edges Edition

2024 Prep for Camp - Linebacker Edition

2024 Prep for Camp - DL Edition