Note: The following appears in The Citadel football gameday program.
Tyler Venables, who grew up in Clemson, began playing tackle football at the age of five. His father, Brent, was hired to be Clemson’s defensive coordinator prior to the 2012 season, so the ties to the Tiger football program began at a young age.
However, it was not always a sure thing that Venables would play for the Tigers.
“Originally, I did not want to go to Clemson because I was trying to make a name for myself. In the end, I wasn’t worried about what anyone else would think, and I made the best decision for myself. I couldn’t be happier with my decision.”
His older brother, Jake, also played football at Clemson (2018-21).
Venables enrolled at Clemson in 2020 and is currently playing his fifth season for the Tigers as a safety. When asked about his favorite memory as a Tiger, he talked about celebrating in the locker room with his teammates.
“As hard as we work, it’s so awesome to enjoy a win and celebrate together with all my teammates and coaches. The Cheez-It Bowl and a lot of other games in 2021 were a lot of fun to celebrate in the locker room.”
Throughout his five-year tenure, Venables has played 46 games in a Tiger uniform.
One thing he wants all Clemson fans to know about him is that he has put a lot of value in his hard work and commitment to the team.
“There’s nothing I care about more than the team’s success. I’m truly committed to the team every day and I love putting the work in and trying to provide and bring value here every day, which keeps me sharp and pushing forward.”
Venables has dealt with a fair amount of adversity during his career, as he has been sidelined by multiple injuries. He spent the majority of the 2023 season serving in a student coaching role while he rehabbed from a serious hip injury, but he returned to play the final two games of the regular season.
“I’ve had four surgeries. I broke my foot and I’ve had two hip surgeries and two pectoral surgeries. I also tore 80 percent of my hamstring two years ago.
“The hardest part of that was not being on the field. The mental aspect is tough because you’re not off the team, but you feel like you’re off the team. It’s tough when you’re not on the field with your teammates.”
Following the conclusion of his football career at Clemson, Venables hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps and venture into the coaching profession.
“That’s what I want to do. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I love being a part of the game every day and I really enjoy it.”
His father was the defensive coordinator at Clemson from 2012-21, helping the Tigers win two national championships and six ACC titles before becoming the head coach at Oklahoma in 2022.
During his free time, Venables enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing and hanging out with his friends and roommates, safety R.J. Mickens and center Ryan Linthicum.
“We don’t get a lot of free time, but I love to get out on the lake and have fun with my teammates as much as I can.”
Prior to the end of the 2024 regular season, Venables is most looking forward to finishing strong.
“This is always a tough part of the season, because around now is when teams can start to drift and lose focus, but I’m not really worried about that with this group. For us, it’s going to come down to sprinting through the finish line and seeing how the rest of the chips fall.”
Venables graduated with a degree in political science in December and serves as a P.A.W. Journey ambassador. When asked about his biggest takeaway from his time in the Tiger football program, he talked about what the university has taught him as a whole.
“I’ve learned how to maintain integrity, accountability and doing things the right way within an organization in order to be successful as a group. We’re always expected to work hard every day and see how the results play out.”
