Last spring, Ronan Hanafin saw limited action as a wide receiver in Clemson’s Orange and White Spring Game, targeted four times without recording a catch. One year later, the junior took the field in a much different role—this time making his mark as a safety, registering four tackles for the White team in Saturday’s scrimmage.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Hanafin had spent his freshman year and the 2024 offseason practicing exclusively at wide receiver. But everything changed just ahead of Clemson’s season opener against No. 2 Georgia last August, when the coaching staff approached him with an unexpected request.
“It happened pretty quickly,” Hanafin recalled this spring. “I didn’t see it coming.” Along with the position switch, he changed jersey numbers—from No. 15 to 16, and eventually to No. 5.
“I’d heard some talk that I could really contribute on defense,” said the Burlington, Massachusetts native. “Honestly, I just want to be wherever I can help the team most. I think I’ve got a lot of potential at safety, too.”
Ronan Hanafin (No. 5) closes in to make a tackle on quarterback Christopher Vizzina (No. 17) during Clemson’s Orange and White Spring Game on April 5, 2025, at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, SC.
Hanafin’s blend of size and speed—traits that once made him a top prospect as a linebacker or safety—has quickly caught the attention of new defensive coordinator Tom Allen. After appearing in 14 games last season and recording 13 tackles, mostly on special teams and in limited defensive snaps, Hanafin is now getting his first full spring to learn and grow as a safety.
“It’s been awesome. I’m really enjoying the transition,” Hanafin said. “Guys like Tyler Venables, Khalil Barnes, RJ [Mickens], and the coaches—Nolan [Turner] and Coach [Mickey] Conn—have been instrumental in helping me grasp the technical side of the position. It’s a completely different mindset from playing wide receiver, especially when it comes to film study. Seeing the game from the defensive side has been a huge learning experience.”
After a 2024 season in which Clemson’s defense struggled to contain the run, Allen has prioritized improved tackling this spring. For Hanafin, it’s a natural fit. He’s always been known for his physical style of play.
“I’ve always loved contact,” said Hanafin, who also played lacrosse and hockey at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School. “Growing up, I was always the kid in the penalty box for being too aggressive. But that edge helps me now at safety—it’s part of what I bring to the field.”
Head coach Dabo Swinney has taken notice of Hanafin’s progress and upside.
“This is a guy who’s basically starting from scratch at safety,” Swinney said. “He didn’t have a true offseason at the position until now, but he’s really taken to it. He’s got that build and physicality we’re looking for in a boundary rover-type player.”
“He’s got speed, he’s strong, and he’s tough,” Swinney continued. “What we need now is for him to keep stacking good days—each one builds his confidence. He’s picking up the scheme, learning the terminology, and he’s one of those guys that just pops off the screen. You notice him.”
Hanafin will be in the mix to start at strong safety, competing with Kylon Griffin, Rob Billings, and Kylen Webb for a spot opposite free safety Khalil Barnes when Clemson opens the season against LSU in Death Valley on August 30, 2025.
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