Biggest offseason storylines for Clemson football
Clemson ended its 2023 season on a high note, winning the five games of the season, but 9-4 won't be acceptable in 2024. Here are the biggest storylines to watch over the offseason.
Offensive line needs consistency
The hiring of Matt Luke as offensive line coach, replacing second-year coach Thomas Austin, showed a lot of people that Dabo Swinney isn't sitting back and waiting for improvements, he's actively searching for them. Luke signed Under Armour All-American and 4-star Elyjah Thurmon. He turned heads for his performance in the practices at the Under Armour All-American game. The offensive line's performance hasn't helped the development of the quarterbacks over the past few seasons. The time that has been given to the quarterbacks has been inconsistent at best. The offensive line, with a full offseason with Matt Luke, should be improved and it will be put to the test in the first game against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Khalil Barnes will be one of Clemson's defensive leaders in 2024.
Cade Klubnik must be better.
For the better part of a decade, Clemson was elite at quarterback. They've struggled to find that level of play over the past three years. That Cade Klubnik has not performed like the No. 1 quarterback in his recruiting class does not mean it will not happen. Klubnik went through a lot of turmoil for his first full season as a starter and still put together a solid stat line. 63.3 completion percentage, 2,844 passing yards, and 19 touchdowns isn't elite but it's not terrible either. His turnovers were his biggest enemy this year. Nine interceptions and four fumbles had fans and coaches frustrated with his performances. Some of the turnovers were not on him but many were. The one thing that can not be taught is Klubnik’s toughness. The amount of sacks and times he was hit that he has endured this season was a testament to his overall toughness. The last drive of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl might have been a glimpse of what's on the horizon for next year; a dialed-in quarterback making plays for his team. Also, having two highly-rated wide receivers coming in, TJ Moore and Bryant Wesco, to go along with Tyler Brown and Jake Briningstool should elevate the passing game.
The defense stays among the elite
This year's defense was stellar and the team's calling card all year long. With the talent returning, the youth developing at a rapid pace, and the freshman coming in, there is no doubt that this defense will be back to being talked about as one of the best defenses in the nation. Barrett Carter announcing his return for his senior season means that the defense has its leader. With the freshman contributors in the secondary and defensive line making some pivotal plays in the games this year provided invaluable experience for the unit. With TJ Parker and Khalil Barnes leading those freshman contributors on the defensive side, along with incoming 5-star recruit Sammy Brown coming in, the Tigers are in good hands defensively. It'll be up to defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin to put them in the right spots.
