Surprises

by Mickey Plyler - Radio Host - Tue Sep 24 13:13:32 GMT-04:00 2013

Surprises

Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Sr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile has recently gotten some attention for not playing up to expectations that many have had for him. Even his coach Chad MorrisChad Morris
Offensive Coordinator / QBs
View Full Profile said something about his performances the past two games. Its not as if he has played bad but the expectations are so high for him.

However, there are several players who are playing at a higher level than many expected through three games this season.

Stephone AnthonyStephone Anthony
Jr. Linebacker
#42 6-2, 235
Polkton, NC
View Full Profile

Anthony came to Clemson as a five-star recruit and could have gone anywhere in America. In his first two seasons he did not have great years but his campaign has been a breakout year for Anthony. Through three games Anthony leads the Tigers with 37 tackles. He also has four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He would have had more if he would have played more than 37 snaps against South Carolina State. Against Georgia, Anthony had 13 tackles in 71 plays. Last week against NC State, he had 16 tackles in 72 plays. Anthony is more active and looks like he is playing faster this season.

Interior OL

Ryan NortonRyan Norton
RS So. Offensive Line
#58 6-3, 270
Simpsonville, SC
View Full Profile was the ACC offensive lineman of the week in the Georgia game and Tylerr Shatley received praise from Chad Morris yesterday for his efforts against NC State. The staff also likes how David BeasleyDavid Beasley
RS Jr. Offensive Guard
#68 6-4, 315
Columbus, GA
View Full Profile has performed and Morris praised Kalon DavisKalon Davis
RS Jr. Offensive Guard
#67 6-5, 330
Chester, SC
View Full Profile for his game against NC State. Clemson's interior offensive line does not get a lot of attention, but so far they have played well in this 3-0 start.

Germone HopperGermone Hopper
RS Fr. Wide Receiver
#5 6-0, 170
Charlotte, NC
View Full Profile

Hopper was a highly recruited player that red-shirted last year. This season he is the second leading receiver with 10 catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns three games into the year. Morris also says he liked the way Hopper has blocked and wished several wide outs would take notice.

The Tight Ends

There were major concerns at tight end coming into the season. This unit lost another star performer again this past season when Brandon FordBrandon Ford
Tight End
#80 6-4, 240
Wando, SC
View Full Profile graduated, Sam CooperSam Cooper
RS Jr. Tight End
#86 6-5, 250
Brentwood, TN
View Full Profile tore his ACL in the spring game and the rest of the group was very inexperienced. However, this group has been a pleasant surprise. Stanton Sekinger scored the game-winning touchdown against Georgia. Cooper has come back from the ACL miraculously and scored a crucial touchdown against NC State. Jay Jay McCulloughJay Jay McCullough
RS Fr. Tight End
#89 6-3, 230
Fort Mill, SC
View Full Profile had three catches against SC State including a nice one-hand grab. Jordan LeggettJordan Leggett
Fr. Tight End
#16 6-6, 235
Navarre, FL
View Full Profile has been banged up but had a catch in week two and Darrell SmithDarrell Smith
Gr. Fullback
#40 6-1, 250
Gadsden, AL
View Full Profile has been invaluable as a blocker. Add Patrick DeStefanoPatrick DeStefano
RS Fr. Offensive Line
#71 6-5, 275
Spartanburg, SC
View Full Profile to the list when the offensive line loaned him to the tight ends for a game against Georgia.

Bradley PinionBradley Pinion
So. Punter
#92 6-5, 230
Concord, NC
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Pinion was a little banged up against NC State but he has been a weapon so far this season. His punting and kickoffs have been a big reason the starting field position for the opposing offenses have been such an advantage to the Tigers. Pinion has been a big part of the first three wins.

Spencer ShueySpencer Shuey
Gr. Linebacker
#33 6-3, 230
Charlotte, NC
View Full Profile

The senior picked up right where he left off last season. Shuey is second on the team with 35 tackles and tied for first with 20 first hits. He had 18 tackles in 60 plays against Georgia and 12 tackles in 69 plays at NC State.

Vic BeasleyVic Beasley
RS Jr. Defensive End
#3 6-3, 225
Adairsville, GA
View Full Profile

This passing rushing specialist is off to a great start in terms on sacks. Beasley is among the nation's leaders with five sacks in three games. He only has eight tackles on the season but five have been sacks. His pressure played a big role in the two FBS wins this season including his sack and forced fumble that helped turn the NC State game Thursday night.

Shaq LawsonShaq Lawson
Fr. Defensive End
#90 6-4, 260
Central, SC
View Full Profile

The true freshman made a big impression on the staff in the spring but I am not sure anyone saw Lawson contributing big plays this early. In only 71 plays this season Lawson has 11 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and a sack. His penetration was a key to the nice defensive effort against the Wolfpack.

The Cornerbacks

Clemson came into the season with a lot of questions about the secondary and still some remain concerning the safeties, but the corners have played very well in the past two games. Martin JenkinsMartin Jenkins
RS Jr. Cornerback
#14 5-10, 180
Roswell, GA
View Full Profile and Darius RobinsonDarius Robinson
Cornerback
#8 5-10, 175
College Park, GA
View Full Profile have pick sixes this season. Bashaud BreelandBashaud Breeland
RS Jr. Cornerback
#17 6-0, 195
Allendale, SC
View Full Profile ended the game Thursday with a pick but made a bigger impact with his six tackles and two PBUs. Garry PetersGarry Peters
RS Jr. Cornerback
#26 6-0, 195
Conyers, GA
View Full Profile is tied for the team lead with three PBUs. The corners have played much better in the last two victories.

Defensive Tackles

I think most anticipated an improved effort from the entire front seven but the defensive tackle unit has been dynamite. Grady JarrettGrady Jarrett
Jr. Defensive Tackle
#50 6-1, 290
Conyers, GA
View Full Profile has 20 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack and six quarterback hurries. Carlos WatkinsCarlos Watkins
So. Defensive Tackle
#94 6-3, 300
Mooresboro, NC
View Full Profile has a start and has 11 tackles. Josh WatsonJosh Watson
RS Jr. Defensive Tackle
#91 6-4, 285
Wilmington, DE
View Full Profile has a start and has nine tackles. DeShawn WilliamsDeShawn Williams
Jr. Defensive Tackle
#99 6-1, 285
Central, SC
View Full Profile has a start and has eight tackles.

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Defensive Tackle
#98 6-2, 310
Thomasville, GA
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