What Kind of Recruiter is New Clemson Defensive Coordinator Wes Goodwin

Wes Goodwin is kind of coming out of nowhere as Clemson’s next defensive coordinator. Well, for those on the outside looking in anyways.

For those inside the program, Goodwin’s promotion has been met with resounding applause. From current players to the other assistant coaches.

Goodwin has been Brent Venables right-hand man for years, and according to Dabo Swinney has been a major part of the Tigers success on the defensive side of the ball. Keeping that continuity intact was important to Swinney.

However, while Goodwin has been given ringing endorsements when it comes to the X’s and O’s, there have been some questions regarding what kind of recruiter he will be. Let’s face it, Venables was one of the best on the staff.

Listening to Swinney, the transition should be fairly smooth, even on the recruiting trail.

“He’ll do great,” Swinney said when asked about Goodwin’s recruiting prowess. “I mean, he’ll be who he is. He’s going to just fine.”

In fact, according to Swinney, Goodwin has already been a big part of what the Tigers do when it comes to recruiting side of things.

“(He’s) been a part of recruiting for however many years, other than being in the NFL. He’s been a part of it on the inside, he’s been on phones, he’s had conversations, he’s sat in meetings. He’s been a part of all of it.”

The head coach did caution that things will, of course, be different. Although, only because Goodwin isn’t Venables. He is, in fact, his own person, and as Swinney noted, recruiting is all about building relationships, no matter a coach’s personality.

“Relationships, just like anything else; you know, just like Tony (Elliott) was very different than Chad Morris, like polar opposite. Wes is going to be different than Brent but they’re both great and the biggest thing is to just be himself.”