CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Clemson getting ready to blow up with rings?
Celebrations like this one might be seen more over the next two or three seasons (Photo by Mark McInnis)

Clemson getting ready to blow up with rings?


by - Senior Writer -

Clemson is getting ready to blow up with rings.

That message came across in a text a week ago, a message from the father of one of the members of Clemson’s 2015 recruiting class. Nine words in total, but they pack a punch.

What does it mean, though?

It means there is a confidence and an excitement surrounding the program right now, and a lot of it started with the win over Ohio St. in the Orange Bowl last season. Why all the excitement, and how is what is happening now different from the past few off-seasons when the Tigers were playing in bowls with more prestige and coming off seasons with more wins?

There are several factors, and a lot of it begins with the win over South Carolina at the end of November. Clemson’s 35-17 victory made all of Clemson nation feel a little better, and for the first time in five years will make for a more settled off-season. The fact that it was a complete victory – the Tigers won in all three phases and dominated physically – means no one can blame the officials or the weather or injuries. Clemson was the better team, looked better coached and it showed in the results on the field.

One of the biggest reasons for all of the optimism – and the hopes that the Tigers might indeed be playing for rings over the next few seasons – is in the form of quarterback Deshaun WatsonDeshaun Watson
Fr. Quarterback
#4 6-3, 204
Gainesville, GA

View Full Profile
. It didn’t take long for anyone and everyone to notice just how special Watson is – and can be – and he proved it when his mere presence on the field settled down the Tigers’ offense in the win over the Gamecocks. There are several plays that stand out to me – Watson’s pass to Charone PeakeCharone Peake
RS Jr. Wide Receiver
#19 6-3, 204
Moore, SC

View Full Profile
in the opener at Georgia, the third down pass to Adam HumphriesAdam Humphries
Sr. Wide Receiver
#13 5-11, 193
Spartanburg, SC

View Full Profile
at Florida St. when he scrambled out of the pocket and the incredible throw to Mike WilliamsMike Williams
So. Wide Receiver
#7 6-5, 208
Vance, SC

View Full Profile
on the sideline against N.C. State.

But the play that will forever stick out in my mind – and most fans won’t remember because it wasn’t a scoring play – happened early in the game against South Carolina. The Gamecocks had just scored the first touchdown of the game and led 7-0. A two-yard run and an incomplete pass saw the Tigers facing a 3rd-and-8 at their own 22, and the crowd was already growing restless. Watson hung in the pocket, and with the rush coming from both sides fired a missile to Williams for 25 yards and a first down. For whatever reason, that one play caused the entire offense to exhale and there was confidence on the Clemson sideline. One play later, Artavis ScottArtavis Scott
Fr. Wide Receiver
#3 5-11, 190
Oldsmar, FL

View Full Profile
took a short flip pass 53 yards for the tying score and the Tigers never trailed again.

If Watson is healthy heading into next season, he will most certainly be one of the top five players in college football and he has the poise to take this offense – with playmakers all over the field – into uncharted territory. And there are indeed playmakers all over the field – Wayne GallmanWayne Gallman
RS Fr. Running Back
#9 6-1, 209
Loganville, GA

View Full Profile
, Tyshon DyeTyshon Dye
RS Fr. Running Back
#23 5-11, 214
Elberton, GA

View Full Profile
, Mike Williams, Charone Peake, Artavis Scott and Adam ChoiceAdam Choice
Fr. Running Back
#26 5-10, 211
Thomasville, GA

View Full Profile
. Those names don’t take into account that Zac BrooksZac Brooks
Jr. Running Back
#24 6-1, 199
Jonesboro, AR

View Full Profile
should be back from injury, Germone HopperGermone Hopper
RS So. Wide Receiver
#5 6-0, 175
Charlotte, NC

View Full Profile
has another off-season to iron out his drop issues and Jordan LeggettJordan Leggett
So. Tight End
#16 6-5, 251
Navarre, FL

View Full Profile
can take the time to figure out his place in the offense.

Add in a bevy of talented recruits and a rebuilt offensive line, and Clemson’s offense has the potential to be one of the best in the country. Playmakers like Ray Ray McCloud and Deon Cain likely won’t redshirt, tight end Milan RichardMilan Richard
Fr. Tight End
#80 6-3, 243
Savannah, GA

View Full Profile
has had a year to get bigger and faster and those names are just the tip of the iceberg. Add in a rebuilding offensive line and Watson should have better protection with more playmakers – scary if you’re the opposing defense.

Defensively, the Tigers lose several players who are the heart and soul of the nation’s top-ranked defense. But help is not only on the way, it’s already here and has been playing. Ben BoulwareBen Boulware
So. Outside Linebacker
#10 5-11, 235
Anderson, SC

View Full Profile
, Kellen JonesKellen Jones
RS Jr. Linebacker
#52 6-1, 233
Houston, TX

View Full Profile
, B.J. GoodsonB.J. Goodson
RS Jr. Linebacker
#44 6-1, 240
Lamar, SC

View Full Profile
and Dorian O’Daniel all played significant snaps at linebacker this season and will ensure there isn’t much of a dropoff, and Shaq LawsonShaq Lawson
So. Defensive End
#90 6-3, 269
Central, SC

View Full Profile
has the potential to take over as a dominant defensive end. In the interior of the line, players like Scott PaganoScott Pagano
RS Fr. Defensive Tackle
#56 6-4, 292
Honolulu, HI

View Full Profile
, D.J. ReaderD.J. Reader
Jr. Defensive Tackle
#48 6-2, 322
Greensboro, NC

View Full Profile
and Carlos WatkinsCarlos Watkins
RS So. Defensive Tackle
#94 6-3, 294
Mooresboro, NC

View Full Profile
are ready to make their mark. The secondary returns MacKensie AlexanderMacKensie Alexander
RS Fr. Cornerback
#2 5-11, 190
Immokalee, FL

View Full Profile
, Jayron KearseJayron Kearse
So. Safety
#20 6-4, 215
Fort Myers, FL

View Full Profile
, Korrin WigginsKorrin Wiggins
So. Defensive Back
#12 5-11, 190
Durham, NC

View Full Profile
and adds back Travis BlanksTravis Blanks
Jr. Safety
#11 6-0, 210
Tallahassee, FL

View Full Profile
. Talent – experienced talent – will be all over the field.

Yes, the Tigers will be loaded. There is a great recruiting class coming in and has players that will contribute next season. Deshaun Watson is the real deal. The Tigers defeated their arch-rival and looked poised to maybe make a run of their own in the series – South Carolina doesn’t look like it has the talent to compete on a national level anytime soon – and the general feeling around the program is that the Tigers are getting ready to compete with Florida St. for bragging rights in the ACC.

Blow up with rings? That remains to be seen. But the future is bright, and if you’re a Clemson fan there is no better time to be a Tiger.

Ultimate Level LogoUpgrade Your Account

Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.

Upgrade Now
Print   
Send Feedback to David Hood: Email | Comment
Twitter reacts to Clemson's upset win over Arizona to make Elite 8
Twitter reacts to Clemson's upset win over Arizona to make Elite 8
Spencer earns sixth victory as Tigers run-rule Eagles
Spencer earns sixth victory as Tigers run-rule Eagles
WATCH: Clemson players react to their Sweet 16 win over Arizona
WATCH: Clemson players react to their Sweet 16 win over Arizona
FIRST LOOK: Clemson Basketball Dancing in March Bobblehead unveiled
FIRST LOOK: Clemson Basketball Dancing in March Bobblehead unveiled