CLEMSON FOOTBALL

What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
Clemson had 3 scholarship QBs in spring practice - Chad Kelly, Cole Stoudt and Deshaun Watson.

What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers


by - Staff Writer -

ATLANTA, GA – Hang around any college football program long enough, and you’ll recognize that the atmosphere in the aftermath of any loss is usually one that leads to second-guessing, armchair quarterbacking and finger-pointing.

If it’s a particularly depressing loss, all of those events increase ten-fold, and Clemson’s loss to Georgia Tech Saturday in Atlanta was particularly galling. The big question – if recruiting has been going as well as we’ve been led to believe then how can this team and this offense be so reliant on one player?

It also leads fans to question every part of the program, including strength and conditioning and even team doctors. On the ride home, we sat and talked about the state of the Clemson program and it became evident early in the conversation that Clemson’s depth has been hurt by injuries this season, but in looking back at previous recruiting classes it also became evident that there are a significant number of recruits who are either done playing because of physical problems, have transferred out of the program or been dismissed by head coach Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney
Head Coach
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.

Add in early entrants into the NFL Draft and Clemson’s depth – or lack thereof – becomes particularly noticeable. Obviously the numbers are skewed because many of the players who leave or are dismissed or have injuries have their spots taken by recruits at some point over the next two seasons.

However, many of those spots are taken by walk-ons and that was never more evident than Saturday when freshman Deshaun WatsonDeshaun Watson
Fr. Quarterback
#4 6-3, 204
Gainesville, GA

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was injured. Senior Cole StoudtCole Stoudt
Sr. Quarterback
#18 6-4, 231
Dublin, OH

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was ineffective, but the next three options on the depth chart are either former walk-ons or walk-ons.

A closer look at the numbers - and you can make your own decisions - but a startling 25 players from the recruiting classes from 2010-14 are either no longer with the program or have had their careers cut short by injury. When you have only 85 scholarships, that’s a big number.

Listed below are all of the players who signed with Clemson and are no longer on the Tigers roster for one reason or another. If even just a few of these were still in school it would greatly improve Clemson’s depth, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Clemson had three quarterbacks on the roster at some point over the last four years that have all transferred or been forced to retire due to injury – Morgan RobertsMorgan Roberts
RS Fr. Quarterback
#15 6-2, 200
Charlotte, NC

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is now the starting quarterback at Yale, Tony McNealTony McNeal
RS Fr. Quarterback
#12 6-0, 195
Chester, SC

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was never able to fully recover from knee injuries and Chad KellyChad Kelly
RS Fr. Quarterback
#11 6-2, 210
Buffalo, NY

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was of course dismissed from the team early this year.

There are 4 wide receivers, two running backs, and six offensive linemen no longer with the Clemson program.

2010

4-star wide receiver Martavis BryantMartavis Bryant
Wide Receiver (2011 - 2013)
#1 6-5, 200
Calhoun Falls, SC

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– declared for the NFL as a junior (signed with Clemson in 2010 but had to attend prep school)

4-star linebacker Justin ParkerJustin Parker
Linebacker (2010 - 2012)
#8 6-1, 235
Port Royal, SC

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– forced to retire due to injury

3-star defensive tackle Tra ThomasTra Thomas
RS So. Offensive Line
#59 6-0, 275
Wadesboro, NC

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– transferred

3-star linebacker Jake NicolopulosJake Nicolopulos
Linebacker
# 6-2, 220
Anderson, SC

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– forced to retire due to illness

3-star athlete Joe CraigJoe Craig
Wide Receiver (2010 - 2011)
#81 5-10, 160
Gaffney, SC

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– dismissed

3-star defensive back Bashaud BreelandBashaud Breeland
(2010 - 2013)
#17 6-0, 195
Allendale, SC

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– declared for the NFL as a junior

3-star running back Demont BuiceDemont Buice
Running Back (2010 - 2011)
#24 6-1, 225
Gadsden, AL

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– transferred

3-star safety Desmond BrownDesmond Brown
Safety (2010 - 2011)
#45 5-11, 185
Centre, AL

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– dismissed

2-star linebacker Ricky Chaney – never enrolled

3-star offensive lineman Gifford TimothyGifford Timothy
Offensive Tackle (2010 - 2013)
#70 6-6, 310
Middletown, DE

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– forced to retire due to injury

2-star safety Evan McKelvey – never enrolled

2011

5-star wide receiver Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
Wide Receiver (2011 - 2013)
#2 6-1, 205
Fort Myers, FL

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– declared for the NFL as a junior

4-star running back Mike BellamyMike Bellamy
Running Back (2011)
#5 5-10, 175
Nocatee, FL

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– dismissed

4-star linebacker Lateek TownsendLateek Townsend
Linebacker (2011 - 2012)
#20 6-2, 215
Bennettsville, SC

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– transferred

4-star safety Cortez DavisCortez Davis
Cornerback (2011 - 2012)
#29 6-3, 200
Daytona Beach, FL

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– transferred

3-star quarterback Tony McNeal – forced to retire due to injury

3-star offensive lineman Shaq AnthonyShaq Anthony
Offensive Tackle (2011 - 2014)
#76 6-4, 276
Williamston, SC

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– transferred

3-star linebacker Colton WallsColton Walls
Linebacker (2011)
#48 6-2, 220
Charlotte, NC

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– transferred

3-star offensive lineman Jerome MaybankJerome Maybank
Offensive Guard (2011 - 2013)
#72 6-3, 345
Pawleys Island, SC

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– transferred

3-star quarterback Morgan Roberts – transferred

2012

4-star quarterback Chad Kelly – dismissed

4-star offensive lineman Patrick DeStefanoPatrick DeStefano
Offensive Line (2012 - 2013)
#71 6-5, 275
Spartanburg, SC

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– forced to retire due to injury

3-star safety Ronald GeohaghanRonald Geohaghan
Defensive Back (2012 - 2013)
#15 6-0, 185
Orangeburg, SC

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– transferred

3-star athlete Marty Williams – never enrolled

2-star offensive lineman Josh BrownJosh Brown
Defensive Tackle
# 6-5, 290
Aiken, SC

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– never enrolled

2013

4-star wide receiver Kyrin PriesterKyrin Priester
Wide Receiver (2014)
#17 6-1, 186
Lilburn, GA

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– dismissed

Add in Clemson’s injury situation this season, and it makes it even tougher to develop the depth needed to survive a season like this one. Watson and left guard David BeasleyDavid Beasley
RS Sr. Offensive Guard
#68 6-4, 323
Columbus, GA

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suffered knee injuries Saturday that could end their seasons, and they would join running backs Zac BrooksZac Brooks
Jr. Running Back
#24 6-1, 199
Jonesboro, AR

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and Adam ChoiceAdam Choice
Fr. Running Back
#26 5-10, 211
Thomasville, GA

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, safety Travis BlanksTravis Blanks
Jr. Safety
#11 6-0, 210
Tallahassee, FL

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, offensive lineman Oliver Jones and tight end D.J. GreenleeD.J. Greenlee
RS Fr. Tight End
#87 6-1, 240
Clemson, SC

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as Tigers who have suffered season-ending injuries.

Defensive back Martin JenkinsMartin Jenkins
RS Sr. Cornerback
#14 5-9, 185
Roswell, GA

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, center Jay GuillermoJay Guillermo
RS So. Center
#57 6-3, 314
Maryville, TN

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, wide receiver Charone PeakeCharone Peake
RS Jr. Wide Receiver
#19 6-3, 204
Moore, SC

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, tight end Sam CooperSam Cooper
RS Sr. Tight End
#86 6-6, 250
Brentwood, TN

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and running back D.J. HowardD.J. Howard
RS Sr. Running Back
#22 6-0, 205
Lincoln, AL

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have all missed significant playing time this season because of injury.

How bad has it been on Clemson’s offensive line the past few seasons? Tight end Eric Mac LainEric Mac Lain
RS Jr. Offensive Tackle
#78 6-4, 306
Hope Mills, NC

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, tight end Zach RiggsZach Riggs
RS Fr. Offensive Line
#54 6-4, 240
Greer, SC

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and defensive tackle Roderick Byers were each moved over the past few seasons to the line, joining former defensive tackle Tyler ShatleyTyler Shatley
Offensive Guard (2009 - 2013)
#62 6-3, 295
Icard, NC

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as players who were moved from other positions in an effort to create depth.

Dismissals. Injuries. Transfers. It’s all in the numbers.

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Subject (Replies: 83) Author
spacer New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
TigerNet News®
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
CUsouix®
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
Zozstate
spacer This article is misleading, all those "transfers"
AllTimeClemson
spacer Re: This article is misleading, all those "transfers"
tigerfanatic1
spacer Re: This article is misleading, all those "transfers"
Litefoot
spacer How does Florida State compare ?
BSGTIGER
spacer Re: How does Florida State compare ?
AllOrange67
spacer Re: This article is misleading, all those "transfers"
deeznuggets
spacer Bellamy-not unless he learned playbook & quit setting off
designtiger®
spacer The only one on there that matters
mattycu
spacer Re: The only one on there that matters
clemson man7®
spacer We worked how hard to sign him just to run him off?????????***
Tiger5
spacer just when you thought you had heard it all.......***
cutiger250
spacer Re: This article is misleading, all those "transfers"
cupton
spacer How many stars did Stoudt have?
Tigerdrafted
spacer 3, I believe***
AllTimeClemson
spacer Re: How many stars did Stoudt have?
ProudTigerMom
spacer Re: How many stars did Stoudt have?
Zozstate
spacer Re: How many stars did Stoudt have?
1965tiger
spacer Re: How many stars did Stoudt have?
ContinentalTiger10
spacer Re: How many stars did Stoudt have?***
deeznuggets
spacer Re: How many stars did Stoudt have?
TracyH79
spacer Crazy...
Prime T. Tiger
spacer Fairness,Tajh was throwing to a fairly elite receiver corps.***
Orangetiger70®
spacer Re: Fairness,Tajh was throwing to a fairly elite receiver corps.***
Litefoot
spacer Re: Fairness,Tajh was throwing to a fairly elite receiver corps.***
DUFFER®
spacer Re: Fairness,Tajh was throwing to a fairly elite receiver corps.***
Tigerdrafted
spacer Re: How many stars did Stoudt have?
Zozstate
spacer Re: How many stars did Stoudt have?
bigdaddy31
spacer Re: How many stars did Stoudt have?
TX Tiger®
spacer Re: How many stars did Stoudt have?
DUFFER®
spacer Re: How many stars did Stoudt have?
Tigerdrafted
spacer Re: How many stars did Stoudt have?
allorangeallthetime52®
spacer Also, this is why in the last four recruiting classes we've
AllTimeClemson
spacer Re: Also, this is why in the last four recruiting classes we've
bubber
spacer Re: Also, this is why in the last four recruiting classes we've
allorangeallthetime52®
spacer It is a sad day when a Clemson fan calls
GrayBengal®
spacer And how many seniors will be introduced next Saturday?
UtilTiger
spacer Dabo said there are 34. A lot we've never heard of.***
CUsouix®
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
Blizzake1979
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
akcharles
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
Tigerdrafted
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
allteamball
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
Yoshimuf
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
Yoshimuf
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
capskick
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
Zozstate
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
sedbhart
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
TX Tiger®
spacer Scholarships are not guaranteed
NC_Tiger_
spacer all scholarships are for one academic year at a time
Tigers2007®
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
babaganoush
spacer BUILDING A DYNASTY AT CLEMSON
ChestyPuller0311®
spacer I completely agree with you re: Chad
ahay®
spacer Re: BUILDING A DYNASTY AT CLEMSON
dmdtiger12
spacer Re: BUILDING A DYNASTY AT CLEMSON
Tilmanlegend
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
u2mfl
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
TX Tiger®
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
sedbhart
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
DUFFER®
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
Orpride
spacer get used to it....
fuzzyduck
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
Oglefam
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
itsgood2bme
spacer Re:
bubber
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
ptctiger93
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
COTIGER1®
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
Sportsfan®
spacer I'm pretty sure this rate of attrition is actually normal.
TigersAndCubs
spacer Regardless of the reasons, it is currently a train wreck.
tpaw79
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
allorangeallthetime52®
spacer What about decommitments?
CU2013
spacer ego
TeachingTiger13®
spacer Re: ego
aftigr®
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
I bleed orange
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
I bleed orange
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
I bleed orange
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
I bleed orange
spacer Help me out guys...I've either not kept track or have bumped
97TigerPaw
spacer Still on team
29803_Tig
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
84TigerDad®
spacer Re: New Story: What happened to Clemson's depth? It's all in the numbers
essoclub_sae
spacer Did anyone else see that slobbering idiot Lou Holtz
facman