Defining Roles

Mickey Plyler - Radio Host - Wednesday, July 17 2013

Defining Roles

Football season is here or at least the talking season. Yesterday we got a glimpse of what fall camp might look like when Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney
Head Coach
View Full Profile and his assistant coaches met with the media.

I don't think there's any question that the superstars and playmakers are the ones college football games. Clemson has those players Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Sr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile at quarterback and Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
Jr. Wide Receiver
#2 6-1, 205
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile at wide receiver. However from listening to the coaches yesterday, we get reminded that depth will be a big factor and defining roles in camp might be one the most important aspects of the season.

Clemson running back coach Tony Elliot praised Rod McDowell and it seems like his role could be as the starting running back. However, DJ Howard, Zach Brooks and one of the freshmen have to find their role in fall camp.

Sammy Watkins is no doubt the leader at wide receiver but what will Charone PeakeCharone Peake
Jr. Wide Receiver
#19 6-3, 200
Moore, SC
View Full Profile, Adam HumphriesAdam Humphries
Jr. Wide Receiver
#13 5-11, 190
Spartanburg, SC
View Full Profile, Martavis BryantMartavis Bryant
Jr. Wide Receiver
#1 6-5, 200
Calhoun Falls, SC
View Full Profile and Germone HopperGermone Hopper
RS Fr. Wide Receiver
#5 6-0, 175
Charlotte, NC
View Full Profile's roles become?

The tight end has been a big deal in Clemson's offense the last two years, but can Stanton Sekinger, Jay Jay McCulloughJay Jay McCullough
RS Fr. Tight End
#89 6-3, 230
Fort Mill, SC
View Full Profile or Jordan LeggettJordan Leggett
Fr. Tight End
#16 6-6, 235
Navarre, FL
View Full Profile take up take over we're Dwayne AllenDwayne Allen
Tight End
#83 6-3, 255
Fayetteville, NC
View Full Profile and Brandon FordBrandon Ford
Tight End
#80 6-4, 240
Wando, SC
View Full Profile left off?

On the offensive line there is still a role to be determined for Isaiah BattleIsaiah Battle
So. Offensive Tackle
#79 6-6, 280
St. George, VA
View Full Profile. Is he good enough to take over left tackle for Brandon ThomasBrandon Thomas
RS Sr. Offensive Line
#63 6-3, 305
Spartanburg, SC
View Full Profile? Where would Thomas move if Battle was ready?

Is David BeasleyDavid Beasley
RS Jr. Offensive Guard
#68 6-4, 315
Columbus, GA
View Full Profile in the shape he needs to be? Can Kalon DavisKalon Davis
RS Jr. Offensive Guard
#67 6-5, 330
Chester, SC
View Full Profile become consistent and be counted on to be a contributor?

Can Jay GuillermoJay Guillermo
RS Fr. Center
#57 6-3, 290
Maryville, TN
View Full Profile push Ryan NortonRyan Norton
RS So. Offensive Line
#58 6-3, 270
Mauldin, SC
View Full Profile at center in the battle to replace Dalton FreemanDalton Freeman
Center
#55 6-5, 265
Pelion, SC
View Full Profile?

Roles will be determined throughout the defense as well. Can Vic BeasleyVic Beasley
RS Jr. Defensive End
#3 6-3, 225
Adairsville, GA
View Full Profile be an everyday down player? Is Tavaris BarnesTavaris Barnes
RS Jr. Defensive End
#6 6-4, 275
Jacksonville, FL
View Full Profile ready to be the four star that picked Clemson over Florida State? Can Corey CrawfordCorey Crawford
Jr. Defensive End
#93 6-5, 270
Columbus, GA
View Full Profile take over where Malliciah GoodmanMalliciah Goodman
Defensive End
#97 6-4, 270
Florence, SC
View Full Profile left off in the bowl game?

There is more experience at defensive tackle because you feel good about Grady JarrettGrady Jarrett
Jr. Defensive Tackle
#50 6-1, 290
Conyers, GA
View Full Profile, Josh WatsonJosh Watson
RS Jr. Defensive Tackle
#91 6-4, 285
Wilmington, DE
View Full Profile and DeShawn WilliamsDeShawn Williams
Jr. Defensive Tackle
#99 6-1, 285
Central, SC
View Full Profile but is DJ Reader or Carlos WatkinsCarlos Watkins
So. Defensive Tackle
#94 6-3, 300
Forest City, NC
View Full Profile ready to take the next step?

Roles at linebacker will be defined in camp. Can Spencer ShueySpencer Shuey
RS Sr. Linebacker
#33 6-3, 230
Charlotte, NC
View Full Profile be the stabilizer inside? Does Kellen JonesKellen Jones
Jr. Linebacker
#52 6-1, 215
Houston, TX
View Full Profile have any rust from sitting out last season? Is this the fall Stephone AnthonyStephone Anthony
Jr. Linebacker
#12 6-3, 235
Polkton, NC
View Full Profile becomes the five star player that we all thought he could be? Is this finally the fall were Tony StewardTony Steward
Jr. Linebacker
#7 6-1, 235
Hastings, FL
View Full Profile is healthy?

Speaking of questions marks, can we have more questions in the secondary? How will Martin JenkinsMartin Jenkins
Cornerback
#14 5-10, 180
Roswell, GA
View Full Profile, Baushad Breland and Darius RobinsonDarius Robinson
Cornerback
#21 5-10, 175
College Park, GA
View Full Profile come back from injuries? Is Travis BlanksTravis Blanks
So. Defensive Back
#11 6-1, 190
Tallahassee, FL
View Full Profile ready to become the leader of the secondary? How will the eight freshmen fit into the plans?

Yeah, we know Tahj Boyd has proven a lot and so is Sammy Watkins, but in my mind this camp will be about roles. This camp will be about building a depth chart. This camp will be about guys finding a place to help this team win football games.

Every team has question marks, but heading into this fall camp I think Clemson has a lot of answers. Yesterday the staff sounded excited to define what players will play the roles in answering some of those questions.

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