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Tom Allen’s arrival at Clemson is already turning heads, as 247Sports has ranked him the No. 2 best coordinator hire in college football for 2025. The only coach ahead of him on the list? Jim Knowles, his replacement at Penn State and former Ohio State defensive coordinator.
Allen’s hiring was a significant move for Clemson, as Dabo Swinney brought in the former Indiana head coach to reshape a defense that struggled against the run last season. Despite boasting talent at all levels, the Tigers gave up 160.6 rushing yards per game—their highest mark since 2011. Allen, who spent the 2024 season leading a dominant Penn State defense, is focused on building a scheme that maximizes his players’ strengths.
“There’s no magic system,” Allen said recently. “It’s about creating a plan that matches the current roster.”
At Penn State, Allen’s defense ranked among the nation’s best, finishing seventh in total defense, eighth in scoring defense, and ninth in rushing defense. His ability to generate pressure was especially impressive, with the Nittany Lions ranking second in tackles for loss and fifth in sacks. That success has Clemson fans optimistic about what he can do with the Tigers’ personnel.
Any hire was going to be an upgrade for Clemson and its porous run defense, but Dabo Swinney landed arguably the best cultural fit by prying Tom Allen away from Penn State. While Allen is not the most proven defensive coordinator to hit the carousel this cycle, he guided Penn State to a top-10 unit in 2024. The Nittany Lions allowed just 3.05 yards per carry, ranking seventh in the FBS — a significant improvement from the 4.71 yards per attempt Clemson surrendered, which ranked 99th nationally. If Allen can shore up the Tigers’ run defense, a push for the 2025 national title is not out of the question.
Allen has already expressed…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/clemson-hiring-top-allen-ranks-183451956.html
Author : Clemson Wire
Publish date : 2025-02-16 18:34:00
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