3/4th's done - suprises/comments on 2012 Clemson Football

Oct 26, 2012, 1:59 PM

Surprises:

Offensively:
Hot Rod - Rod has been one of the few players to go through Clemson strength and conditioning program and actually add some noticeable muscle mass. When Rod got to clemson he was 5'9 170 pounds. He is now over 190 pounds and has actually gotten faster. A lot of credit needs to go to Rod for putting in the hard work under the iron and in the kitchen.

Defense:
T. Blanks - don't know how much of a surprise this has been. Blanks was concerned by many to be the best recruit in last years class. He is a playmaker and reminds me of A. Edwards from the late 90's. Will be a 4 year starter at Clemson and will certainly play in the NFL.

S. Shuey - came out and took a spot from our most physically impressive player - S. Anthony. Shuey plays hard every play and lays the wood. Yes, he is pretty bad in pass coverage, but for the other half of the game, he has been a stud.

Tackling Machine:
Tig Williard is the best tackler we have on the team. If he were a little more physically gifted (size/speed) he would have a long playing career in the NFL.

Defensive Tackles:
So proud of these guys. Reader and Jarrett are playmakers in the interior. Jarrett grew on me a ton over the spring. Even though he is 5'11 280 he just finds ways to get pressure. Reader is just a horse and is surprisingly athletic for a 330 pound dude. Every week he gets better. Watson and Williams are the old guys in this unit and they are only sophomores. This will be a legendary group before their time is done at Clemson.

Defensive Ends:
Not sure how much better they have gotten as individuals. But with the help of the defensive tackles, they are starting to make some plays. Goodman/Crawford/Barnes and Beasley can have a solid 2012 campaign if they can continue to make plays when they are available. I am still not counting on one these players to take over a game just yet.

Oline:
The O-line seems to have cooled a little bit from their salty start to the season. Freeman especially has had trouble with odd man fronts. Brandon Thomas and Timmothy continue to have some struggles. Shatley and Beasley demonstrate that being strength is actually functional. They are the two strongest players on the team and coincidentally the two best run blockers on the team. Overall, better than expected coming into the year. However, the past two games I am afraid are more realistic of our true line.

Wide Receivers:
Do I really need to go here? Sammy - maybe the best threat in the nation. Nuk- best pure receiver ever at clemson. Jaron - highpoints the ball better than any receiver in the acc. great 3rd down weapon. Peake - starting to find his way. Bryant - needs to use his 6'5 frame and quit catching the ball at his waist.

Running Back:
Cross your fingers that Ellington is able to stay health all year. If he can I think he will eclipse 1,500 yards All-Purpose. Special back that does not get enough attention.

Buckle up and support the tigers!

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3/4th's done - suprises/comments on 2012 Clemson Football

Re: 3/4th's done - suprises/comments on 2012 Clemson Football

Re: 3/4th's done - suprises/comments on 2012 Clemson Football

Nuk has been noticeably stronger and more physical

Agree with everything you said but don't forget about Tajh

Strength Program

8/12 = 2/3, not 3/4

I think it should be 8/14 myself.

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