Clemson trainers delivered a simple message to Andrew Booth Jr. at fall camp: “The best skill is availability.”
For the junior cornerback, who wants to take a big step forward for the Tigers this season, the lack of presence on the field has proven to be a major obstacle. But at camp, Booth has so far been able to stay out of the coaching room and on the field.
“To be out there alone doing plays, flying around seeing different formations, it’s a beauty,” said Booth, who had two interceptions and was credited with 30 tackles in 2020.
The native of Dacula, Georgia, did some real highlight reel games last season, particularly one-handed interception against Virginia, but for the coaching staff he didn’t do enough of those games. Booth played in 11 of Clemson’s 12 games but only started four.
He wasn’t always available in training or games, and that trend carried over into spring 2021 training due to gnawing injuries and the like. Booth realizes what stopped him from being a true lockdown cornerback at this point in his career.
“Last season, staying healthy was all about health,” said Booth. “Now I tie everything together. I tie in film, I’m just smarter out here, mix in athletics so that I’m not just an athlete. It’s really 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical out there.”
Booth took better care of his body in the off-season. At least twice a week he does stretching exercises and body movements in the heat. That means he’s more on the field to become Clemson’s # 1 corner this season.
“I believe in the corner … you can’t just think that,” said Booth. “You really have to believe it.”