Why veteran Clemson safety is poised for ‘breakout year’

Clemson safety Jalyn Phillips had a bit of a breakout year in 2022. The Georgia native started all 14 games for the Tigers, while being named a permanent team captain.

Phillips finished second on the team with 82 tackles and added four pass breakups and an interception.

However, while Phillips was solid last season, there’s still room for growth. He opted to come back for a fifth season in order to do something special. His position coach, Mickey Conn, expects him to do just that this fall.

“Steady wins the race. I mean that’s kind of been Jalyn’s story. And he is a true Clemson man. In this crazy college football world that we live in, this kid is about the right stuff,” Conn said at Clemson Media Day last week. “I think his confidence level and his experience level is really going to shine. He’s going to have a big year, a breakout year this year, just because of who he is and the work ethic and the experience that he’s had going into the season. I’m excited for him.”

Phillips isn’t the fastest or most athletic player on the Clemson roster, or even at his own position. But he is smart, instinctive and seems to always be around the ball. If he can finish off a few more tackles and come down with a couple of more interceptions when he gets chances, he could have the breakout season Conn is predicting.

‘Playmaker’ RJ Mickens ready to shine for Clemson

Speaking of veteran Clemson safeties who are ready for a big year, senior RJ Mickens certainly fits that description.

Mickens didn’t get a ton of opportunities over his first three seasons, but every time he was on the field he made plays. That includes last year when he finished with 55 tackles and a team-high three interceptions.

The Texas native has patiently been waiting for his time to shine and this should be the year.

“RJ, he’s an unbelievable player, unbelievable character. He’s a playmaker. And when he’s in the game, things happen,” Conn said. “He makes interceptions. He’s just always around the ball. So he’s going to be a starter. He’ll be in that starting rotation – just like he was last year. I mean he started seven games last year. There were two games that he was unavailable that he couldn’t start. But he’s started a lot of games here for Clemson.”

Mickens has improved his speed as his career has gone on, he has good athleticism and excellent ball skills. He’s come up big time-and-time again for Clemson in critical situations, and he should thrive now that his role is set to increase.

“The guy’s just a winner and a playmaker,” Conn said. “Having him on the field, I have an extreme comfort level with him. And the thing about RJ is he’s really, really smart. He could play anywhere – both linebackers, both safeties and the nickel. He’s extremely intelligent. He has a great feel for the game. But for his offseason, the biggest thing for him was to improve on his speed and change of direction, and he’s done that. He is running really well right now. So I’m excited. That’s going to help him with his man-to-man and that sort of thing. Love that guy.”

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