Playing time breakdown: Tigers take quality depth built into CFP

Justyn Ross is one of nearly 50 Tigers averaging at least 10 snaps a game this season.

by Brandon Rink - Staff Writer - Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 6:45 PM

Clemson enters this year’s edition of the College Football Playoff with similar numbers in depth-created but less mileage on the starting group overall.

Through 13 games, Clemson’s starting group has seen two snaps less per game on average season-to-season (43.1 from 45.1). That shows up in some positions more than others.

Christian Wilkins is just under 100 fewer plays than 2017 (503 from 602).

Clemson’s extensive receiver rotating has over 100 fewer snaps on average year-to-year per player across the starting group. Freshman Justyn Ross has played the fourth-most snaps on the season among the group (280) and ranks 7th nationally in yards per reception (20.6).

Overall, the Tigers have equaled the number of players averaging at least 10 snaps per game from last season (47).

Check out the full breakdown from the ACC Championship and the season below:

Clemson snaps breakdown: Pittsburgh

(Players assigned positionally by place on the depth chart; the initial participation report is provided by Clemson and represents all non-special teams snaps; season totals in parentheses; this breakdown notes all depth chart contributors and select scholarship players)

Offense (30)

Quarterback (2): Trevor Lawrence 51 (640), Chase Brice 8 (159).

Running Back (4): Travis Etienne 21 (409), Tavien Feaster 18 (198), Adam Choice 12 (192), Lyn-J Dixon 5 (96).

Wide Receiver (8): Hunter Renfrow 30 (464), Tee Higgins 28 (483), Trevion Thompson 28 (277), Amari Rodgers 25 (492), Justyn Ross 22 (280), Derion Kendrick 18 (236), Diondre Overton 16 (213), T.J. Chase 12 (163).

Tight end (5): Garrett Williams 32 (383), Milan Richard 18 (279), J.C. Chalk 5 (91), Braden Galloway 4 (87), Cannon Smith 3 (92).

Offensive Line (11): Tremayne Anchrum 55 (672), Justin Falcinelli 54 (673), Mitch Hyatt 51 (739), John Simpson 50 (730), Gage Cervenka 33 (467), Sean Pollard 25 (441), Cade Stewart 8 (254), Jackson Carman 8 (195), Matt Bockhorst 7 (161), Zach Giella 5 (114), Blake Vinson 3 (77),

Defense (29)

Defensive End (6): Clelin Ferrell 48 (578), Austin Bryant 40 (554), Xavier Thomas 28 (266), Justin Foster 5 (158), Logan Rudolph 12 (137), Chris Register 6 (81).

Defensive Tackle (6): Christian Wilkins 39 (503), Dexter Lawrence 37 (467), Nyles Pinckney 22 (285), Albert Huggins 21 (307), Jordan Williams 4 (132), Xavier Kelly 1 (93).

Linebacker (9): Tre Lamar 53 (450), Isaiah Simmons 51 (647), Kendall Joseph 46 (623), J.D. Davis 21 (322), Jalen Williams 9 (240), Chad Smith 9 (121), Shaq Smith 3 (130), Judah Davis 3 (62), LB James Skalski^ 3 (26).

DB (CB/S/NB - 8): A.J. Terrell 61 (667), Trayvon Mullen 60 (581), K’Von Wallace 44 (553), Denzel Johnson 21 (347), Tanner Muse 38 (556), Nolan Turner 31 (341), Mark Fields 18 (283), Mario Goodrich 3 (109).

Special teams-only: OT Chandler Reeves (92), LB Baylon Spector (62).

Did not play (non-true freshmen): CB LeAnthony Williams (73), WR Cornell Powell (65)*.

True freshmen participation (9): Xavier Thomas 13 games, Trevor Lawrence 13, Justyn Ross 13, Derion Kendrick 13, B.T. Potter 13, Braden Galloway 12, Lyn-J Dixon 12, Mario Goodrich 12, Jackson Carman 11, Kyler McMichael DNP (10), K.J. Henry* DNP (4), Jake Venables# DNP (3), Mike Jones Jr.# DNP (3), Jordan McFadden# DNP (3), Ben Batson^ DNP (2), Justin Mascoll^ DNP (1), Darnell Jefferies^ DNP (1).

* Slated for redshirt

^ A redshirt but is eligible to play in Clemson’s remaining games this season

# Redshirt

** Missed significant time or was out due to injury.

Snaps by week