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Leadership, Energy Define Tom Allen’s Early Impact on Clemson Defense

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Lentz | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 7:00 AM ET

CLEMSON, S.C. – It’s still early, but Clemson’s defense is starting to take on the identity of its new coordinator.

“Tom Allen’s done a great job,” Dabo Swinney said. “He’s high energy every day. He’s smart, detailed, and the players are responding.”

Allen, who joined Clemson after serving as Indiana’s head coach, has brought a fresh voice and veteran presence to a defense in transition. And Swinney says the accountability and leadership have been “outstanding.”

“You can tell he’s coached a team before,” Swinney said. “He’s leading the players, but he’s also leading the coaches. That’s what we needed.”

One of Allen’s early focal points? Tackling. Swinney emphasized how much time the Tigers spent on physicality and red zone defense—and how that showed up in Saturday’s spring game.

“There were some explosive hits out there,” Swinney said. “We’ve worked hard on that.”

Despite missing several key players, including multiple linebackers and cornerbacks, the defense still held its own. Players like Alexander, Keith Adams Jr., and Denson flashed signs of what could be a cohesive, aggressive unit come fall.

But there’s work to be done.

“It’s an incomplete defense right now,” Swinney admitted. “But for what we had available, it was a job well done.”

Allen’s next task? Using the summer to build on that foundation. If the spring is any indication, Clemson’s defense may soon be back to vintage form

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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