First Impression

by Mickey Plyler - Radio Host - Mon Aug 03 06:48:16 GMT-04:00 2015

First Impressions

Tomorrow is a big day for Clemson football. Tomorrow is the first of 29 pre-season practices. It is the first time this team will be together on the practice field.

Many of the freshmen were here in the spring, but there have been some additions. There will also be some players who were here in the spring that won't be here tomorrow. Isaiah BattleIsaiah Battle
Offensive Tackle (2012 - 2015)
#79 6-7, 290
Brooklyn, NY
View Full Profile was a multi-year starter and was going to be counted on at left tackle, but he is gone. Ebo Ogundeko was going to be a back-up defensive end, but he is gone. Amin Lakip won't be here until school starts.

The newcomers make this team better, though. Tomorrow will be the first college practice for five-star prospects like Christian WilkinsChristian Wilkins
Fr. Defensive Tackle
# 6-5, 305
Longmeadow, CT
View Full Profile , Deon CainDeon Cain
Fr. Wide Receiver
# 6-1, 190
Tampa, FL
View Full Profile , and Ray Ray McCloud. Four-star prospects like Garrett WilliamsGarrett Williams
Fr. Tight End
# 6-4, 225
Orlando, FL
View Full Profile , Mark FieldsMark Fields
Fr. Cornerback
# 5-10, 185
Cornelius, NC
View Full Profile , Austin BryantAustin Bryant
Fr. Defensive End
# 6-4, 250
Pavo, GA
View Full Profile and Clelin FerrellClelin Ferrell
Fr. Defensive End
# 6-5, 220
Richmond, VA
View Full Profile will take the field for the first time.

It's that corps of seven freshmen that I will watch during our allotted time at practice on Tuesday. I expect six of the seven to avoid a red-shirt season. Williams may red-shirt considering how many talented, healthy bodies there are at tight end, but I would be shocked if any of the other six red-shirt.

Wilkins is a freak. He reminds me of Chester McGlockton. This is a rare talent that shouldn't take long to make his impression on the staff. Wilkins and Albert Huggins give the Tigers two very talented defensive tackles.

Cain and McCloud are not being pressed into action due to a lack of talent at their position. Clemson could get by with stars like Mike WilliamsMike Williams
Jr. Wide Receiver
#7 6-4, 210
Vance, SC
View Full Profile , Artavis ScottArtavis Scott
So. Wide Receiver
#3 5-10, 190
Oldsmar, FL
View Full Profile , Charone PeakeCharone Peake
Gr. Wide Receiver
#19 6-2, 205
Moore, SC
View Full Profile , Germone HopperGermone Hopper
RS Jr. Wide Receiver
#5 5-11, 175
Charlotte, NC
View Full Profile and Trevion ThompsonTrevion Thompson
RS Fr. Wide Receiver
#1 6-2, 195
Durham, NC
View Full Profile at wide receiver. However, Cain and McCloud may be too talented to keep off of the field this season.

That is not the case for Bryant and Ferrell. There is a big need for depth at defensive end. Both freshmen defensive ends will have an ample opportunity to stake their claim to playing time early this season.

Fields is another freshman that will have a chance to play early because of the opportunity on the depth chart. Cordrea Tankersly is the starter at one corner but he has not been a starter, and the staff will give Fields a long look.

The Tigers got better when the staff recruited and signed this class, but tomorrow is the first time we see the fruits of their hard work.

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Defensive Tackle (2008 - 2011)
#98 6-2, 310
Thomasville, GA
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# 0, 0
,
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Offensive Line (2012 - 2013)
#71 6-5, 275
Spartanburg, SC
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Safety (2011 - 2014)
#27 5-11, 215
St. George, SC
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