Tuesday January 15, 2008

8 for 08 Offense

8 for 08 Offense
Recruiting is kicking in the final stretch drive and we still don’t know exactly who will be Tigers in 2008 but I thought I would take a very early look at some keys for 2008. Today let’s look at the offense.

1. Big Nasty
The 2006 offensive line featured mostly seniors as starters and that was the case again last season. Unfortunately the 2007 group had more inexperienced and looked average at times. The 2008 offensive line will see new faces but the talent has been upgraded.

Thomas Austin is the best of the group but at this time we are not sure if he will be a center or guard. He was productive as a starter at both positions last season.

The tackle spots will have two new starters and will have to replace four-year starter in Barry Richardson but there is talent here. Chris Hairston held his own against a very good defensive line of Auburn in the bowl game in his one start at tackle. Corey Lambert has always shown signs of promise but has never been forced into action. Two red-shirt freshmen face big springs but the staff is high on Landon Walker and David Smith.

The interior offensive linemen are not as highly touted but have a little more experience. Barry Humphries looks like he will head into the spring as a starter at one guard. The other guard may be manned by any of the remaining returners like Jamarcus Grant, Jamal Medlin or Bobby Hutchinson. Red-shirt freshman Wilson Norris will also get his first chance this spring.

Perhaps a key to the interior offensive line is the position of two red-shirt freshmen. Smith impressed as a tackle but might could move inside and Mason Cloy has been a very hard worker and may be ready at either center or guard.

The Tigers would like to red-shirt the offensive linemen coming in like committed linemen Matt Sanders and Dalton Freeman and any potential players like RJ Mattes, Kenneth Page or Antoine McClain.

This group will be extremely young but also should be more talented than last year’s group. The key will be developing the chemistry among the starters and finding capable guys as back-ups.

2. Spiller Time
After splitting time with James Davis for two seasons, it is now officially “Spiller Time.” We know Spiller is the threat to make big plays in the offense but we need to find out if he is ready to become an every down back. The thing that Davis did that Spiller has not been able to do is turn a play that is a no gain or one-yard run into a three or four-yard run. Spiller has shown that he can make a no gain into an 80-yard gain but he can also turn it into an eight-yard loss.

The rising junior will need to prove that he can finish runs and show the toughness it takes to be able to carry the ball 20 times a game. Spiller has carried the ball more than 18 times just once in a game in his college career.

Clemson will need to have a back that can finish runs and get short-yardage first downs at times. Is that back Spiller? Will it be commitment Andre Ellington or potential commitment Jamie Harper? These are keys to the 2008 offense.

3. Built Ford Tough
I think Jacoby Ford is a very important part of the offense and I feel he was greatly missed after his injury. Ford is out of his boot and is walking but should not be ready for practice or track this spring. The speedster’s recovery will be a huge key to the offense next season. Ford and his speed give you so much in the screen game, the reverse game and the deep threat game that he will have to be 100% in the fall. I may overstate his presence but I feel his threat is as important as any aspect of the 2008 offense. If Ford can touch it ten times a game (4-5 receptions, 4-5 rushes, 2-4 kick and punt returns) this offense will benefit.

4. Pete and Repeat
It will be extremely difficult for Cullen Harper to repeat his performance in 2008 but he needs to get close. His junior season was marked with consistency and brilliance at times in 2007 when he set 22 school records. If the Tigers are to take it to the next level then Harper needs to play more like he did in the regular season and less like he did in the bowl game.

5. Number 3
I think Willy Korn still has a chance to compete for playing time in 2008 and I also think his continued development this season will be a key to future offenses. Make no mistake, Korn is special and he has a huge upside. There may be no more important player in this program than Korn. I firmly believe that the future of the program and its future BCS chances will rest squarely on Korn’s shoulders and I know he is ready for it.

6. Real Diehl
In watching all four NFL games this past weekend I noticed one thing on 99% of the short-yardage situations, all of the teams used a fullback as a lead blocker. I know the Tigers will be a one-back team for most of the offense but the short-yardage situations call for a fullback and Clemson has a great one in Chad Diehl. This red-shirt freshman might be the toughest player the Tigers have on offense and they need to utilize his blocking in tight quarters.

7. M.A.S.H. 4077
Southern Cal found it out. So did Oregon. You can be a championship team but injuries can take out even the best of teams. There are a few positions and a few key players where this program cannot afford injuries.

8. Luck Be a Tiger
Ina world in which we analyze everything, sometimes we don’t pay enough attention to luck. There is no way to predict it but even the best of teams need a little luck on their sides. This program has had its share of bad breaks so please tell me this evens out soon.

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