Thursday was a good day for Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin. Starting safety Jalyn Phillips and starting cornerback Sheridan Jones announced they will return for the 2023 season. Also, veteran defensive end Xavier Thomas, who has been a starter at times in his career, revealed that he, too, will be back in the Upstate for next season.
Meantime in Columbia Thursday, the USC defense took a major hit as starting defensive end Jordan Burch was reported to have entered his name into the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Phillips had his best season yet at Clemson with 74 tackles, 1 interception and 3 pass deflections.
Jones battled some injuries during the season and was limited to 10 games. He finished with 27 tackles without an interception of or a pass breakup.
Thomas also had another season where he battled a combination of injuries and illness that limited him to 3 games. He made 4 tackles and 2 of them were sacks.
Burch had the best season of his three with the Gamecocks totaling 60 tackles with 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 3 pass deflections.
