Tigers drop one spot in ESPN's 2012 Way-Too-Early Preseason Top 25

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From ESPN:

23. Clemson Tigers

Previous rank: 22

The Tigers' inexplicable 70-33 flop against West Virginia in the Discover Orange Bowl really tarnished a nice campaign last season. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney shook up his coaching staff after the embarrassing loss, replacing defensive coordinator Kevin Steele with former Oklahoma assistant Brent Venables. Five starters must be replaced on defense, including top pass-rusher Andre BranchAndre Branch

RS Sr. Defensive End

#40 6-5, 260

Richmond, VA

View Full Profile . Venables might get some help from the Tigers' incoming freshman class, including top safety Travis BlanksTravis Blanks

Fr. Defensive Back

# 6-1, 180

Tallahassee, FL

View Full Profile , defensive end Carlos WatkinsCarlos Watkins

Fr. Defensive Line

# 6-4, 285

Forest City, NC

View Full Profile and tackle Shaquille LawsonShaquille Lawson

Fr. Defensive End

# 6-4, 240

Central, SC

View Full Profile . Quarterback Tajh BoydTajh Boyd

RS So. Quarterback

#10 6-1, 225

Hampton, VA

View Full Profile and receiver Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins

Fr. Wide Receiver

#2 6-1, 200

Fort Myers, FL

View Full Profile are back on offense, but four starting offensive linemen will have to be replaced. The Tigers will open the season against Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game and will play ACC foes Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech at home.

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