Clemson’s Blanks will miss spring after knee surgery

Clemson University defensive back Travis Blanks will miss spring practice while recovering from surgery to repair a torn knee ligament.

Blanks initially tore an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against The Citadel on Nov. 23, 2013. He missed the entire 2014 and accepted a redshirt. Blanks reinjured the knee in December during one of Clemson’s practices in Orlando, Fla. for the Russell Athletic Bowl.

Blanks, a redshirt junior from Tallahassee, Fla., started 18 of his first 24 games at Clemson. He compiled 51 total tackles, an interception and seven pass breakups as a freshman. He primarily staffed the nickelback position that season. He moved to free safety in 2013 and posted 35 tackles through 11 games.

Clemson weathered Blanks’ absence last season with improved play from sophomores Jayron Kearse and Korrin Wiggins. Kearse started 12 games at free safety and closed the season with 67 total tackles, the fifth highest total on the team. Wiggins started six games at nickelback and notched 40 tackles, including 3.5 for loss.

With his experience, aggressiveness and versatility, Blanks is a candidate to slide into the starting slot at strong safety, vacated by graduated senior Robert Smith. Blanks underwent surgery on Jan. 16 and could be cleared for practice before the start of August camp.