Clemson's Defensive Newcomers Impress in Spring Scrimmage

Coach Dabo Swinney highlights standout performances from transfer players on the Tigers' defense

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:18pm

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According to Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers' defense stole the show at their first spring scrimmage, with several transfer players turning heads. Swinney highlighted the strong performances of newcomers in the secondary and defensive line, including safeties Corey Myrick and Jerome Carter III, cornerbacks Elliot Washington II and Donovan Starr, and defensive linemen London Merritt, C.J. Wesley, Markus Strong, and Kourtney Kelly.

Why it matters

Clemson's defense lost several key players to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal after the 2025 season, so the strong showings from these new additions are an encouraging sign for the Tigers as they look to reload on that side of the ball. The influx of experienced talent from the transfer portal could help Clemson maintain its defensive excellence in the upcoming season.

The details

Swinney praised the cohesiveness and lack of mistakes from the defense during the scrimmage, singling out the play of safeties Myrick and Carter, who he said 'look different' and are 'playing fast' and 'tackling well.' The head coach was also impressed with cornerbacks Washington and Starr, with Washington in particular making plays and turning the ball over consistently. On the defensive line, Swinney highlighted the early impact of transfers Merritt, Wesley, Strong, and Kelly, noting their disruptive abilities.

  • Clemson held its first spring scrimmage on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.
  • The Tigers' annual Orange and White Spring Game is scheduled for March 28, 2026.

The players

Dabo Swinney

The head coach of the Clemson Tigers football team.

Corey Myrick

A rising junior safety who transferred to Clemson from Southern Miss, where he had 95 tackles, four pass breakups, two interceptions, and a forced fumble in 12 starts over his first two seasons.

Jerome Carter III

A veteran safety who transferred to Clemson from Old Dominion, where he had six interceptions (tied for second in the nation) and 75 tackles in 2025.

Elliot Washington II

A rising senior cornerback who transferred to Clemson from Penn State, where he had 53 tackles, two interceptions, and nine pass breakups in his three-year career.

Donovan Starr

A sophomore cornerback who transferred to Clemson from Auburn.

London Merritt

A former Colorado edge rusher who was named to the Freshman All-American team in 2025 after recording eight tackles for loss in 12 games for the Buffaloes.

C.J. Wesley

A defensive end transfer from Howard University who has exceeded expectations so far this spring.

Markus Strong

A defensive lineman who transferred to Clemson from Oklahoma, where he made an appearance in the College Football Playoff last season.

Kourtney Kelly

A defensive lineman who transferred to Clemson from West Georgia, where he had seven tackles for loss, four sacks, and a fumble recovery in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“All those new guys have really flashed for us. We're a more cohesive group across the board. We're just not making a lot of mistakes on defense. You're having to earn everything and that's been encouraging.”

— Dabo Swinney, Head Coach (theclemsoninsider.com)

“Ronan (Hanafin), Myrick, and Jerome, oh man, we just look different. They're where they're supposed to be. They're playing fast. They're really good tacklers. So, I've been encouraged by them.”

— Dabo Swinney, Head Coach (theclemsoninsider.com)

“Elliot Washington has been by far to me the best guy in camp. He's made plays every single day. Every single day he's made a play and he's turned the ball over more than anybody all spring.”

— Dabo Swinney, Head Coach (theclemsoninsider.com)

“London Merritt, he shows up, he's tough, he's heavy-handed. He plays behind his pads.”

— Dabo Swinney, Head Coach (theclemsoninsider.com)

“Wesley is what we thought he'd be. He's just a little further along than we thought he'd be because he's fast.”

— Dabo Swinney, Head Coach (theclemsoninsider.com)

What’s next

The Tigers will continue spring practice leading up to their annual Orange and White Spring Game on March 28, 2026, where fans will get their first look at the team's new-look defense.

The takeaway

Clemson's aggressive approach to the transfer portal this offseason appears to be paying dividends, as the influx of experienced talent on the defensive side of the ball has the Tigers' coaching staff excited about the potential of the unit heading into the 2026 season.