Venables and Reed Receive Honors

Clemson, S.C.—Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables and defensive backs coach Mike Reed have both been honored with national awards from internet sites that cover college football.

Venables has been named the National Defensive Coordinator of the Year by 247 Sports and Reed has been named the nation’s top defensive backs coach by Football Scoop.com.

Both coaches helped Clemson to a 14-1 record, the ACC Championship and a No. 2 final ranking after reaching the College Football Playoff Championship game against Alabama last Monday night.   Alabama won the contest 45-40 in Glendale, Arizona.

Despite having to replace eight starters from last year’s No. 1 ranked defense, Clemson finished the 2015 season ranked in the top 25 in 15 different categories, including five top 10 rankings. 

Clemson led the nation in three-and-outs for the second straight year, and also ranked second in completion percentage defense, fourth in third down defense and sacks, and fifth in tackles for loss per game and fewest first downs allowed/game.  The Tigers were 10^th in the country in total defense.

Clemson had the top two players in the nation in terms of tackles for loss.  Shaq Lawson led the nation with 25.5 and fellow defensive end Kevin Dodd was second with 23.5.  Lawson was 12^th in the nation in sacks per game and Dodd was 17^th.  Defensive back Cordrea Tankersley was 20^th in interceptions per game with five.