Barrett Carter recently shared his thoughts on the impact of Clemson’s new defensive coaches, Tom Allen and Ben Boulware, as the Tigers prepare for the 2025 season. Carter, who’s now focusing on the NFL Draft, had the chance to see both coaches in action during spring practice and was impressed by what he observed.
Carter attended a practice session just before Pro Day and was immediately struck by the unique energy Allen, the new defensive coordinator, brought to the defense. “I’ve been talking to the guys since I’ve been in California, and they all love him,” Carter said. “They keep telling me how intense he is and what a great man he is. But getting to see it firsthand, the energy he brings is different—like, truly different. It’s consistent.”
One key difference Carter noticed was Allen’s vocal presence on the field. “He has his own microphone at practice,” Carter explained. “That’s a new thing for me because usually, it’s just Coach Swinney with the mic. But he’s out there yelling, screaming, getting excited when guys make plays. He just has a different type of vibe, and the players really feed off of that.”
Carter recalled a memorable moment when defensive back Avieon Terrell made an interception, and the entire defense rushed the field in celebration. According to Carter, this moment exemplified the enthusiasm and energy Allen has infused into the unit.
Carter also highlighted the significance of having Ben Boulware, a former Clemson linebacker, as the new linebackers coach. Boulware’s experience as a senior leader and national champion at Clemson has been invaluable for the players, especially for younger guys like freshman linebacker Sammy Brown. “Having Boulware as the linebacker coach now, those guys are going to be at another level this year,” Carter said.
Carter is confident in Boulware’s potential as a coach, noting, “He’s going to be a great coach for years to come.”
With Allen’s intensity and Boulware’s championship pedigree, Clemson’s defense looks ready to take a major step forward in 2025.
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