ESPN: Way Too Early Top 25 for 2013 |
From Mark Schlabach of ESPN:
Previous rank: 9 With quarterback
Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
11. Clemson Tigers
RS Jr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
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and receiver
Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
So. Wide Receiver
#2 6-1, 205
Fort Myers, FL
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coming back to run offensive coordinator Chad Morris' spread offense, the Tigers are the team to beat in the ACC in 2013. But unless their defense improves dramatically, they might not be much of a factor in the BCS title race. Clemson made some strides under first-year defensive coordinator Brent Venables in 2012, ranking No. 48 nationally in scoring defense (24.8 points per game) and No. 63 in total defense (396.2 yards). Clemson coach Dabo Swinney focused his recruiting efforts on that side of the ball, signing four defensive recruits in the ESPN Top 150, including No. 2 cornerback Mackensie Alexander, linebackers Ben Boulware and Dorian O'Daniel and defensive end Ebenezer Ogundeko. Clemson should be explosive on offense, even after losing tailback
Andre EllingtonAndre Ellington
RS Sr. Running Back
#23 5-10, 195
Moncks Corner, SC
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and receiver
DeAndre HopkinsDeAndre Hopkins
Wide Receiver
#6 6-2, 205
Central, SC
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, who left early for the NFL draft. Boyd threw for 3,896 yards with 36 touchdowns and 13 interceptions and ran for 514 yards with 10 TDs last season.
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