Sunday Storyline: Spring Football
The state of Clemson's program has never been better and with an increased recruiting footprint, the expectations in Tiger Town are through the roof. Last week, Sanders laid out his "Three Burning Questions" heading into spring.
After a few days of practice and some time to reflect, our intern Cade took a few minutes to focus on some storylines that he is interested in watching the next few weeks as the Spring Game approaches.
An Explosive Backfield
The freshmen sensation Travis Etienne averaged over seven yards a carry last season paired with 13 rushing touchdowns. There aren't many FBS programs that would have those types numbers second on the depth chart, yet that might be exactly where Etienne finds himself once it is all said and done.
Etienne did not start any of Clemson's 14 games last season. Tavien Feaster started eleven and C.J. Fuller the remaining three. With Fuller leaving the program, the Tigers will look to Feaster, Etienne and Adam Choice. Incoming freshman Lyn-J Dixon should also have a chance to play, but I'd prefer Dixon have a year to develop physically.
Most likely Etienne and Feaster will play in a two-back system and split snaps. One thing is certain; the Tigers are going to be talented and versatile at running back this coming season.
The Elephant In the Room
The love that Trevor Lawrence is receiving from fans in Tigertown in his freshman season is similar to the love that The Beatles received from fans in America when they arrived in America to appear on The Ed Sullivan Show. The only other player I recall having this much hype placed on him before doing anything at Clemson was Willy Korn.
Lots of people want to see Lawrence guiding Clemson in 2018, but the truth is, he has to pass the talented duo of Hunter Johnson and Chase Brice on the depth chart before getting a shot at passing Kelly Bryant.
The starting job is Bryant’s to lose. Let me repeat. The starting job IS Bryant's to lose. Will Lawrence, Johnson, or Brice make a move this spring or will Kelly's experience help him separate from his contemporaries this spring?
I fully expect Kelly Bryant to be the starter in the season opener against Furman. From there, all bets are off, especially if one of the three young quarterbacks makes a move over the next few weeks.
The Difference In Wins and Losses
It doesn’t matter if the receivers, running backs, or quarterbacks work things out if the offensive line is not steady and set.
In the trenches, All-American Mitch Hyatt will anchor the left side at tackle, first-team All-ACC center Justin Facinelli settles any worry at center. Clemson will move Sean Pollard who started 9 out of 14 games at right tackle inside to right guard for now. Swinney wants to get, "the best five" out front. It will be interesting to watch.
Right now, it looks like John Simpson, Pollard, Falcinelli, Tremayne Anchrum, and Hyatt will be upfront for the Tigers.
Noah Dehond, Matt Bockhurst, and Gage Cervenka will all battle for time and perhaps could crack the starting lineup. Look for mid-year enrollee and top-rated tackle Jackson Carmen to throw his name in the mix. With the size and stature, Carmen at 6’6 and 330-pounds, it would appear to be hard to keep him off of the field.
Inexperienced Wideout Talent
When the NFL came calling, Ray-Ray McCloud and Deon Cain answered. Minus two starters at wideout, Clemson will look to several young stars to step up this season.
Good news though, Hunter Renfrow is back and is arguably the most dependable target in college football. Clemson has recruited the wide receiver position as good as anyone and will return a very talented receiving corps. The only concern is that they are, for the majority, inexperienced.
Amari Rodgers and Tee Higgins are now sophomores and should see the more snaps earlier in games this fall. While both have the potential to be starters, true freshmen Derion Kendrick and Justyn Ross will have their guns in the fight as well. Kendrick is already on campus, and that should help him as he gets extra work in before the fall.
Don't sleep on Cornell Powell or Deondre Overton as both players are primed for a breakout season as well.
A critical aspect of the success of the offense this year is establishing a passing game that is comfortable for both the receivers and whoever is taking snaps at quarterback.
The Last Line of Defense
Hopefully, the development of the receiving corps in the spring will greatly aid the development in the secondary. Clemson lost former 3-star prospect Ryan Carter, but replacing his 5-star work ethic and preparation will be difficult. The Tigers also lost Van Smith to the NFL and those two moves leave openings at safety and corner.
At corner, Trayvon Mullen is set on one side. On the opposite side, senior Mark Fields brings back experience against ACC competition, but he will battle with A.J. Terrell. The rising 6’1 sophomore presents greater length and athleticism than Fields, which makes corner an interesting position battle.
At safety, Isaiah Simmons, Tanner Muse, and K’Von Wallace are three of the hardest hitting safeties in the conference, and all have the athleticism to pair with it. Clemson should be fine in the secondary, but finding the right mix will be the key.
Clemson has a nice mix of cover guys, and the speed and length of Mullen and Terrell at corner is honestly intoxicating if you like defensive back play.
Although it wasn't gone very long- Clemson football is back!