Toughest Defenders to Replace in the ACC
Getty Images
Florida State - Jermaine Johnson
Potential Replacements: Jared Verse or Derrick McLendon II
After transferring from Georgia Bulldogs where he appeared in 21 games and registered 36 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks, Johnson became extremely valuable for Mike Norvell's defense that was Top 10 in the FBS last season in red zone defense.
Johnson realized his potential and was named ACC Defensive Player of Year, having 70 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. The effort by Johnson was recognized at the 2022 NFL Draft when he was selected in the first round by the New York Jets.
For the Seminoles, it is looking like they will be using both Albany transfer Jared Verse and sophomore Derrick McLendon II to try to replace the production lose from Johnson.
During their Week 0 game against Duquesne, Verse was one of six players who registered 4 tackles in the game, and also had a sack and credited with 1.5 tackles for loss.
Gerald Herbert/AP
Clemson - Andrew Booth Jr.
Potential Replacements: Nate Wiggins
Clemson under Dabo Swinney has seemingly had some excellent corners come and go through their program. Mackensie Alexander, A.J. Terrell, Travon Mullen, and now Andrew Booth Jr. is another name to add to that impressive list in the Swinney Era.
Booth, along with teammate Mario Goodrich, swept All-ACC First Team corner selections for the Tigers and both are now in the NFL.
Recommended Articles
During the off season, former Wiggins established himself as the lead corner along with senior Sheridan Jones.
"Incredibly talented and very competitive, just a young guy maturing and really buying into what it takes," Swinney said about Wiggins, who saw 130 snaps as a freshman. "It takes what it takes. There's no shortcut to it. That's the biggest thing I saw, him really buying into what it takes to not just be good but to be great."
University of Pittsburgh
Pitt - Damarri Mathis
Potential Replacements: A.J. Woods
Mathis elevated his game last season at Pitt and became one of the nation's best outside corner defenders.
Since 2019, Woods is among the nation's elite at defending the pass, allowing passes to be completed at a 37% rate.
Replacing Mathis is senior A.J. Woods.
Woods made the most of his opportunities last season, he appeared in all 13 games for the Panthers, including making the start in the Peach Bowl against Michigan State in place of Woods who opted out for NFL Draft prep.
Woods made the most of his opportunities last season, he appeared in all 13 games for the Panthers, including making the start in the Peach Bowl against Michigan State in place of Woods who opted out for NFL Draft prep.
Woods signature play last season was in the ACC Championship Game against Wake Forest where he set an ACC Championship Game record with a 73-yard interception return for a touchdown.
