Tiger Source Preview: State of the Program |
The Tigers are 1-3 and some fans are panicking. Some concerns are legit but
don't complain for the sake of complaining. Let us understand where this program is, why it is here and where it is headed. In my opinion there are two reasons Clemson is having trouble this year and both go back three or four years. Like every team in the country, this team has weaknesses. This offensive line should not have to play a true freshman and former walk-ons. If you want to complain about this you have every right to. This is a legitimate gripe. In previous years, the staff should have done a better job of recruiting offensive linemen. The staff missed on Alex Barron (FSU), Eric Broe (FSU), Russ Tanner (UGA), Chase Page (NC), Mario Henderson (FSU), Kyle Wallace (GT), Josh Brock (UGA), Sean Young (TN), Eric Young (TN), Lance Butler (FL), Chris White (SC) and Jabari Levey (SC). That is at least 12 guys that one or two could have made a difference. The staff did not have enough backup plan B guys on the offensive line. The other major argument that holds water to me is the entire staff has had recruiting deficiencies among their ranks. There are a couple of coaches that still have not recruited well on this staff. Two or three guys should not have to sign as many players as they have had to in recent years. Bowden still has a couple of weak recruiters on this staff and that needs to be addressed. That is not fair to Clemson University, the football program, their fans or the other members of the staff. You are only as strong as your weakest link and the weak links have held this program back. The other concerns should be minor. Everyone has their theories. Mine include more of a commitment to the running game. This would hold linebackers longer and keep them from getting deeper drops into pass coverage. It would also slow the pass rush. Others blame Mike O'Cain's scheme, Brad Scott's coaching or even Charlie Whitehurst himself. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but the fact is that the Tigers should have recruited more offensive linemen three and four years ago. The other problems can be fixed soon. With those things said lets look at the future. The offensive and defensive lines have been addressed with the last two classes and the upcoming class. Assuming Corey Lambert, Jacquez McKissick, Phillip Merling and Durrell Barry make it back to Clemson and the current commitments hold up, Clemson will have 19 offensive linemen on scholarship. Fourteen of those 19 will be freshmen or sophomores. The numbers will be up but the talent level will be also. Cedric Johnson chose Clemson over ECU. Tommy Sharpe and Jesse Pickens are walk-ons. Nathan Bennett chose Clemson over Mississippi State. Meanwhile look at the last two classes. Richardson would have tons of offers if he came back. Dukes had a UGA offer, Akeem Robinson chose Clemson over Florida, Lambert had tons of offers and the four current commitments have big-time offers. The quality and quantity have been improved and the results are coming. On the defensive front Chris McDuffie, Dorrel Scott, Rashaad Jackson and McKissick are upgrades in the talent level. The results will show in future years in this unit also. I hear fans complain about the coaching position changes and they might be right about that, but it is too early to tell. There are other issues that have shown up and more will arrive in the future. However, David Blackwell decided to commit to more big bodies when he arrived at Clemson and this program will benefit. Again, the short-term future may look difficult. However, I still maintain this program is on solid footing and the results from the hard work of several members of this staff will shine. What is Tiger Source? Click here for more info
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