ESPN: Clemson Spring Wrap

by TigerNet Staff - Tue May 08 11:30:16 GMT-04:00 2012

From Mark Schlabach of ESPN:

Fall questions
1. Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins

Fr. Wide Receiver

#2 6-1, 200

Fort Myers, FL

View Full Profile : Watkins, an All-America receiver during his freshman season in 2011, was arrested last week on misdemeanor drug charges. Coach Dabo Swinney hasn’t yet announced what punishment, if any, Watkins will face. If Watkins misses any game action, his absence might really hurt the Tigers in their season opener against Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome.

2. Offensive line overhaul: After losing three starting offensive linemen and five seniors who played in the line rotation in 2011, the Tigers had to rebuild the unit this spring. Morris feels good about his starting five, after moving nose tackle Tyler ShatleyTyler Shatley

RS So. Offensive Line

#43 6-3, 295

Icard, NC

View Full Profile to right guard. Morris said Shatley brings some toughness to the offensive line. The rest of the line looks like this going into preseason camp: left tackle Brandon ThomasBrandon Thomas

RS So. Offensive Line

#63 6-3, 300

Spartanburg, SC

View Full Profile , left guard Kalon DavisKalon Davis

RS Fr. Offensive Line

#67 6-5, 335

Chester, SC

View Full Profile , center Dalton FreemanDalton Freeman

RS Jr. Offensive Line

#55 6-5, 285

Pelion, SC

View Full Profile and right tackle Gifford TimothyGifford Timothy

RS Fr. Offensive Tackle

#70 6-6, 315

Middletown, DE

View Full Profile . It has to hold up for the offense to be effective.

3. Defensive line: The Tigers lost a trio of standout defensive linemen in tackles Brandon ThompsonBrandon Thompson

Sr. Defensive Tackle

#98 6-2, 310

Thomasville, GA

View Full Profile and Rennie MooreRennie Moore

RS Sr. Defensive Tackle

#94 6-3, 265

Saint Marys, GA

View Full Profile and end Andre BranchAndre Branch

Defensive End

#40 6-5, 260

Richmond, VA

View Full Profile . Clemson brings back all of its starting linebackers and most of its secondary, but Venables will have to rebuild his defensive front with young players.