Tuesday April 17, 2007

Post Spring Offensive Analysis-QB, RB, WR

Post Spring Offensive Analysis
I only saw the team a couple of times but did speak to several who have been to every practice and scrimmage including a couple of the offensive coaches. Below is a review of the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers from the spring:

Quarterbacks
Harper Jr, Korn Fr, Reese Jr, Wade Fr

I can see a scenario where both Harper and Korn play early in 2007. I liked what I saw from the signal callers this spring and think this position should be improved in 2007 despite a lack of experience.

Cullen Harper was extremely consistent throughout the entire spring. He takes care of the football and has limited his turnovers. Harper was very consistent in his work in understanding the offense. Also, Harper impressed coaches with his work ethic in the weight room and in matt drills. He is not the most accurate passer and his arm strength is not a strength but he is a big, strong signal caller who has more positives than negatives. He has a firm grasp on the starting job heading into Fall camp.

Willy Korn is clearly the most talented quarterback on campus. He had a very good spring. Korn amazed the coaches with how fast he learned many aspects of the offense. If he has a weakness right now it is the fact that he is inexperienced and is still learning. In my opinion, it is only a matter of time before this is your starter.

Tribble Reese finally showed a sense of urgency and had a good spring. At times he looks like he is as talented as the other quarterbacks. He does not have the raw skills of Korn but is physically gifted. I think it is too early to give up on Reese.

It is not fair to judge Michael Wade because he was limited in his reps this spring. It is tough to get four quarterbacks enough reps and Wade had an injured hand. The coaches were impressed with his workouts in the weight room.

Running Backs
Davis Jr, Spiller So, McElrathbey So

The running backs should be the strength of the offense next season. Davis and Spiller are among the best combinations of backs in America. I think they will get the ball in some different ways in 2007 but the offense should and will continue to revolve around their talents.

James Davis looked like he was healthy and he looked confident once again. Davis looked faster than I have seen him in the past. The rising junior emerged as a leader on offense. Davis looked like he did in the first 20 games of his career and not like he did the last six. It is clear to me that he was hurt the last few games and lost his swagger but it appears he is back and better than before.

C.J. Spiller is as talented as any player to ever play at Clemson. He still has to get stringer and break more tackles but he is as elusive and fast as any back in the country. I think Spiller could have a huge year next season. He said again Monday that he was coming back but we won’t really know until August.

Ray Ray McElrathbey was a big surprise of the spring. He looked comfortable at his new position. Ray Ray still has a lot to learn and I am not sure how good he is without the ball in his hands but he looked natural as a ball carrier. He showcased more toughness than I thought he had at this point also. I think he has a bright future and could be counted on when needed in 2007.

Fullbacks/H-Backs
Pearson Jr, Diehl Fr

I did not get to see a lot of Alex Pearson this spring. I would also think that Chad Diehl might move here also. This is a hybrid fullback/h-back/tight end position and these are two guys that are tough, hard-nosed players.

Wide Receivers
Kelly Jr, Ford So, Taylor Jr, Grisham Jr, Ford So, Harris Sr, Dye Fr, Ogren Fr, Jones Fr, Clear Fr

Offensive coaches claim they would like to throw the ball downfield more next season. A lot of those plans will depend on the continued development of the quarterbacks and the offensive line. If they do, look for Kelly and Ford to have bigger seasons. I think this unit could be a strength if utilized.

It was great to see Aaron Kelly return to his freshman form. The lanky wide out looked like he had more energy and looked more comfortable this spring. He still needs to improve his strength and could use a major upgrade in his blocking effort but Kelly is a threat in the passing game.

Jacoby Ford continues to improve. I think he is in for a huge 2007 in this offense. He looks more and more like a football player and less and less like a track athlete trying to play football. Ford has improved his hands and seems to run better routes now. Dabo Swinney has done a great job developing this speedster. Ford seems to play faster than he did a year ago.

Tyler Grisham had an excellent spring. He is a dependable receiver that has improved his stock through good hands and hard work. He is one of the top two blocking wide outs in my opinion. Grisham has good speed and could see his role increase in 2007.

Rendrick Taylor is a key to the offense in my opinion. He is the best blocker of the wide outs and I think he could become a major threat if healthy. His teammates see how hard he works and he could be considered one of the leaders of this team. I like the way he catches the ball and he is a force on third-down. Look for Taylor to continue to improve.

The staff is very pleased with where Xavier Dye is after his first spring. He has the potential because of his big frame. Dye still has so much to learn but he is a talent upgrade from most of the wide outs on scholarship.

LaDonte Harris is a possession receiver that is also called upon to block. He is not a huge threat as a pass catcher but he is dependable in the running game. I am not sure how his role will change in 2007.

Jeff Ogren showed improvement over last spring but he still has a ways to go. Ogren is just a red-shirt freshman next season so he still has time.

In the fall Markish Jones and Byron Clear will join the receiving corps. It would not surprise me if Jones avoids a red-shirt because of his speed and ability. Clear may need to red-shirt to get acclimated to the system.

On Wednesday I will review the offensive linemen and the tight ends coming out of the spring.

Prayers
Just a thought of prayer to the entire community in Blacksburg, VA. I cannot imagine what they are going through following this horrific tragedy. Words cannot express my family’s remorse. May God be with those who need strength at this time and in the future.

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