Defense 2014: Who will step in to provide depth?

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Thu Jan 09 18:07:51 GMT-04:00 2014

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney Dabo Swinney
Head Coach
View Full Profile said over the summer that elite programs don’t have to rebuild, they simply reload.

If Clemson wants to be considered an elite program, that statement will be put to the test in 2014.

Brent VenablesBrent Venables
Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
View Full Profile ’ defense took a step forward in 2013 and could be even better in 2014 despite the loss of Spencer ShueySpencer Shuey
Gr. Linebacker
#33 6-3, 230
Charlotte, NC
View Full Profile , Quandon ChristianQuandon Christian
RS Sr. Linebacker
#34 6-2, 225
Lake View, SC
View Full Profile , Darius RobinsonDarius Robinson
Cornerback (2010 - 2013)
#8 5-10, 175
College Park, GA
View Full Profile , Bashaud BreelandBashaud Breeland
RS Jr. Cornerback
#17 6-0, 195
Allendale, SC
View Full Profile and possibly Vic BeasleyVic Beasley
RS Jr. Defensive End
#3 6-3, 225
Adairsville, GA
View Full Profile .

With spring practice, summer workouts, fall camp and 233 days until the ball is spotted, Swinney and Venables have plenty of time to figure out a depth chart; however, in the business of college football, we don’t like to wait so let’s take a look at how the Tigers defensive starting lineup might look on August 30th.

Defensive line

Even with the potential loss of superstar Vic Beasley at defensive end, Clemson could have the best defensive line that it’s had in quite some time and one of the best in the ACC.

Defensive end: Corey CrawfordCorey Crawford
Jr. Defensive End
#93 6-5, 270
Columbus, GA
View Full Profile

Defensive tackle: Grady JarrettGrady Jarrett
Jr. Defensive Tackle
#50 6-1, 290
Conyers, GA
View Full Profile

Defensive tackle: D.J. ReaderD.J. Reader
So. Defensive Tackle
#48 6-2, 335
Greensboro, NC
View Full Profile or Josh WatsonJosh Watson
RS Jr. Defensive Tackle
#91 6-4, 285
Wilmington, DE
View Full Profile or DeShawn WilliamsDeShawn Williams
Jr. Defensive Tackle
#99 6-1, 285
Central, SC
View Full Profile

Defensive end: Vic Beasley or Shaq LawsonShaq Lawson
Fr. Defensive End
#90 6-4, 260
Central, SC
View Full Profile

The biggest question mark for the defensive line really regards depth – who will step in and provide depth at the end spots? Will freshmen Ebenezer OgundekoEbenezer Ogundeko
Fr. Outside Linebacker
#1 6-3, 230
Brooklyn, NY
View Full Profile and Dane RogersDane Rogers
Fr. Defensive End
#85 6-3, 245
Shelby, NC
View Full Profile be able to provide depth, or will Martin AikenMartin Aiken
RS Fr. Defensive End
#53 6-2, 255
Bamberg, SC
View Full Profile finally see meaningful snaps?

Tavaris Barnes has hinted on social media that he has played his final game at Clemson, but he could return for his senior season for experienced depth at end.

Will someone like Carlos WatkinsCarlos Watkins
So. Defensive Tackle
#94 6-3, 300
Mooresboro, NC
View Full Profile move to an end spot due to the number of defensive tackles? Will tackle Scott PaganoScott Pagano
Fr. Defensive Tackle
#56 6-4, 280
Honolulu, HI
View Full Profile find a way to break into the rotation at tackle?

Where do veterans like Kevin DoddKevin Dodd
So. Defensive Tackle
#98 6-4, 280
Taylors, SC
View Full Profile and Roderick ByersRoderick Byers
RS So. Defensive End
#55 6-2, 275
Rock Hill, SC
View Full Profile fit in? The starters appear to be somewhat set…the question is who will step in provide quality depth?

Linebackers

The Tigers will be replacing Christian and Shuey in the starting rotation at linebacker, but have experience at all of the linebacker positions.

Can Tony StewardTony Steward
Jr. Linebacker
#7 6-0, 235
Hastings, FL
View Full Profile and Kellen Jones, who should finally be healthy, contribute and make an impact in 2014?

Could Jayron KearseJayron Kearse
Fr. Safety
#20 6-4, 205
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile move to a linebacker position in 2014?

SAM linebacker: T.J. BurrellT.J. Burrell
RS Fr. Linebacker
#41 5-11, 215
Goose Creek, SC
View Full Profile

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

WILL linebacker: Tony Steward or Kellen Jones

Steward finally gets his chance to shine after injuries and playing behind Shuey hurt his playing time. Steward played 167 snaps this season, and logged 36 tackles. Ben BoulwareBen Boulware
Fr. Outside Linebacker
#10 6-1, 230
Anderson, SC
View Full Profile will provide depth at the MIKE behind Anthony, who had a stellar bowl game against Ohio St.

The SAM position is perhaps the biggest question mark – against running teams or on running downs, Christian was on the field. Against the spread or on passing downs, Korrin WigginsKorrin Wiggins
Fr. Defensive Back
#12 6-1, 185
Durham, NC
View Full Profile came in and played nickel, as did Martin JenkinsMartin Jenkins
RS Jr. Cornerback
#14 5-10, 180
Roswell, GA
View Full Profile .

Could Kearse move to the Nickel-SAM position on a full-time basis? He has the size and cover skills, and could really grow into the position.

Defensive backs

The defensive backs have been viewed as a weakness on Clemson’s defense over the last couple of seasons, but that criticism has mainly come because of youth and inexperience and a lack of depth. With several key pieces returning, could 2014 be the season that defensive backs become a strength of the defense?

Venables and defensive backs coach Mike ReedMike Reed
Defensive Backs Coach
View Full Profile have a lot of options in the secondary. Who will show up and claim those spots?

Cornerback: Garry PetersGarry Peters
RS Jr. Cornerback
#26 6-0, 195
Conyers, GA
View Full Profile or Martin Jenkins or Cordrea TankersleyCordrea Tankersley
Fr. Defensive Back
#25 6-1, 190
Beech Island, SC
View Full Profile

Safety: Jayron Kearse or Travis BlanksTravis Blanks
So. Defensive Back
#11 6-0, 190
Tallahassee, FL
View Full Profile or Jadar JohnsonJadar Johnson
Fr. Defensive Back
#18 6-1, 180
Orangeburg, SC
View Full Profile

Safety: Robert SmithRobert Smith
Jr. Safety
#27 5-10, 210
St. George, SC
View Full Profile , Korrin Wiggins or Ronald GeohaghanRonald Geohaghan
RS Fr. Defensive Back
#15 6-0, 185
Orangeburg, SC
View Full Profile

Cornerback: MacKensie AlexanderMacKensie Alexander
Fr. Defensive Back
#2 5-11, 185
Immokalee, FL
View Full Profile or Marcus EdmondMarcus Edmond
Fr. Defensive Back
#29 6-1, 180
Hopkins, SC
View Full Profile or Ryan CarterRyan Carter
Fr. Defensive Back
#31 5-10, 175
Grayson, GA
View Full Profile or Adrian BakerAdrian Baker
Fr. Cornerback
#21 6-1, 170
Hollywood, FL
View Full Profile

Special teams

The kicking game was a strength in 2013, but with the departure of Chandler CatanzaroChandler Catanzaro
Gr. Punter / Kicker
#39 6-2, 195
Greenville, SC
View Full Profile , the Tigers will be looking for another Mr. Reliable.

Will freshman Alex Spence be able to come in and beat out the experienced Ammon LakipAmmon Lakip
RS So. Kicker
#36 5-10, 185
Alpharetta, GA
View Full Profile ?