Spring Game Questions

Mickey Plyler · Radio Host · Wednesday, April 16 2014

Spring Game Questions

Monday I took a look at what I perceived as the strengths of the team from what I saw in Saturday's spring game. I wanted to take a look at the positions that were still question marks yesterday but Chad KellyChad Kelly
RS So. Quarterback
#11 6-2, 210
Buffalo, NY
View Full Profile's dismissal took center stage and I devoted yesterday's blog to that subject. So today I wanted to get back to the schedule and look at some of the questions that will need to be answered in August.

Right Tackle

On my radio show Monday Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney
Head Coach
View Full Profile said right tackle is his biggest concern coming out of the spring. Observers Saturday could have guessed that if they watched Swinney jump first teamer Shaq AnthonyShaq Anthony
RS Jr. Offensive Tackle
#76 6-3, 265
Williamston, SC
View Full Profile during the scrimmage.

At this point Anthony is the most experienced right tackle but he is inconsistent and is suspended for the Georgia game. My guess is that Eric MacLain may be the best answer at the position heading into the season opener but he missed much of the spring with a toe injury. Joe GoreJoe Gore
RS Jr. Offensive Tackle
#73 6-4, 275
Lake Waccamaw, NC
View Full Profile has not been very healthy either. Another option is moving starting guard Kalon DavisKalon Davis
RS Sr. Offensive Guard
#67 6-5, 330
Chester, SC
View Full Profile to tackle. Unfortunately, most of the potential candidates at right tackle are still very big question marks.

SAM/Nickel

Brent VenablesBrent Venables
Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
View Full Profile said during the spring that he was encouraged at times with T.J. BurrellT.J. Burrell
RS So. Linebacker
#41 5-11, 215
Goose Creek, SC
View Full Profile at the SAM linebacker. Burrell is still very inexperienced. Dorian O'DanielDorian O'Daniel
RS Fr. Linebacker
#6 6-1, 205
Olney, MD
View Full Profile is a red-shirt freshman that has shown some promise but has to get bigger if they stay in the 4-3 look. The most likely scenario here is for the Tigers to counter the spread offenses with a nickel back. Unfortunately both Travis BlanksTravis Blanks
Jr. Defensive Back
#11 6-0, 190
Tallahassee, FL
View Full Profile and Korrin WigginsKorrin Wiggins
So. Defensive Back
#12 6-1, 185
Durham, NC
View Full Profile were missing in the spring. My guess here is that Blanks and Wiggins get the majority of the snaps here.

Starting Running Back

Clemson has been very fortunate to have a 1,000 yard rusher in most years under Dabo Swinney but this season there is less experience at running back. This year we may see a running back committee approach. D.J. HowardD.J. Howard
RS Sr. Running Back
#22 5-11, 195
Lincoln, AL
View Full Profile and Zac BrooksZac Brooks
Jr. Running Back
#24 6-1, 185
Jonesboro, AR
View Full Profile are the upperclassmen and have the most experience but I thought Wayne GallmanWayne Gallman
RS Fr. Running Back
#9 6-1, 195
Loganville, GA
View Full Profile and C.J. DavidsonC.J. Davidson
RS Jr. Running Back
#32 5-11, 185
Clemson, SC
View Full Profile looked the best in the Saturday's spring game. Tyshon DyeTyshon Dye
RS Fr. Running Back
#23 6-1, 205
Elberton, GA
View Full Profile has been hurt and missed the spring but the highly touted back is scheduled to healthy in the fall and could put his name in the hat for the top spot here. I would also think Adam ChoiceAdam Choice
Fr. Running Back
# 5-10, 200
Thomasville, GA
View Full Profile is the top true freshman that will get a look.

Number One Wide Receiver

Clemson has been fortunate to feature record setting wide receivers in each of the past three seasons. It will be strange not seeing NFL wide outs like Nuk Hopkins, Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
Wide Receiver (2011 - 2013)
#2 6-1, 205
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile or Martavis BryantMartavis Bryant
Wide Receiver (2011 - 2013)
#1 6-5, 200
Calhoun Falls, SC
View Full Profile on the field next season. We did not see Charone PeakeCharone Peake
RS Jr. Wide Receiver
#19 6-3, 200
Moore, SC
View Full Profile in the spring because he was recovering from a torn ACL but I think Peake is the leading candidate to be the top receiver this season. He is the most experienced and I thought he was close to becoming the number two guy behind Watkins before the injury. If he can regain his confidence, I expect Peake to have a very good season. Mike WilliamsMike Williams
So. Wide Receiver
#7 6-5, 205
Vance, SC
View Full Profile is a big receiver that is getting closer to being the top guy if he can become more consistent. I doubt Adam HumphriesAdam Humphries
Sr. Wide Receiver
#13 5-11, 190
Spartanburg, SC
View Full Profile or Germone HopperGermone Hopper
RS So. Wide Receiver
#5 6-0, 170
Charlotte, NC
View Full Profile can be a number one receiver but eventually I can see true freshman Artavis ScottArtavis Scott
Fr. Wide Receiver
#3 5-11, 180
Tarpon Springs, FL
View Full Profile being that guy.

H-Back

If Clemson is to utilize the running game more in 2014 they may use the scheme similar to what Auburn used last season. If that is the case, the Tigers will need an H-Back or lead blocker to assist in the running game. At this point I have not seen an answer here. Maybe true freshman Kurt Fleming could fit into that role.

Placekicker

I think Chandler CatanzaroChandler Catanzaro
Punter / Kicker (2009 - 2013)
#39 6-2, 195
Greenville, SC
View Full Profile is as good as any placekicker in school history and he will be missed. Swinney said Ammon LakipAmmon Lakip
RS Jr. Kicker
#36 5-10, 185
Alpharetta, GA
View Full Profile had an excellent spring and the head coach says he has full confidence in the new kicker. I trust that but still will need to see Lakip make a big kick to feel the same way.

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Defensive Tackle (2008 - 2011)
#98 6-2, 310
Thomasville, GA
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Linebacker
# 0, 0
,
View Full Profile and family, Catherine Sewell, Randy Davenport, Patrick DeStefanoPatrick DeStefano
Offensive Line (2012 - 2013)
#71 6-5, 275
Spartanburg, SC
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