Clemson 2014 Spring Football Wrap Up

Strengths & question marks coming out of spring

Clemson’s strength in 2014 is going to be the defense, specifically the DL. Vic Beasley’s decision to return was a big boost, and with several younger players getting some good snaps this past season, this is a group that has quality through the entire 2-deep.

The Tigers also have a deep linebacking corp, though a player or two will need to step up to replace some of the losses they suffered this year.

Somehow Clemson has several questions on offense. The big one is at quarterback. What started as a 3 man competition in the spring resulted in Dabo Swinney naming a starter this week. Cole Stoudt will be the starting QB for Clemson when they travel to Athens, GA, but it wasn’t the emphatic victory many hoped for.

Freshman phenom Deshaun Watson broke his clavicle in practice, and former 4-star recruit Chad Kelly was kicked off the team for poor behavior in several incidents. While Stoudt will do a fine job, it is hard to believe he will exceed Tajh Boyd’s performance at the position, something that needs to happen.

Wide Receiver is the other big concern. Once again Clemson has reloaded at the skill position, but all of the remaining receivers are inexperienced after Martavius Bryant and Sammy Watkins left for the NFL. Hopefully this will turn out to be a bunch of worrying over inexperienced players, but until that Georgia game the receiver position is going to make Clemson fans uneasy.

Name a few breakout players to keep an eye on in 2014

The big one is Mac Alexander. The cornerback will be making his debut for Clemson after a groin injury kept him off the field last year. We were already expecting him to contribute to the two-deep, but it looks like he is going to be one of the starting CBs this year, and his play is going to be a big part in how successful Clemson is this fall. The Tigers gave up way too many big plays in the secondary, but Alexander should help stop that.

On the DL Grady Jarrett might be better than Vic Beasley. Grady is going to get a lot of opportunities this year as teams try to double team Beasley. It is hard enough to stop 1 dominant lineman let alone two and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jarrett become as well known as Beasley.

Because we have to talk offense as well, I think Wayne Gallman could have a great year at running back for Clemson. He appears to be blocking well, a requirement in Chad Morris’ offense, and has really good hands when he goes out wide. His weight is a concern, but he should be able to put on a few pounds over the summer.

Grade each position group

QB – B    I’m not worried about the position, but a lot of my thoughts use the word potential. Watson should eventually be as good as advertised and Stoudt has done well when needed, but it is hard to think we have done anything but take a step back with the departure of Tajh Boyd.

RB – B   I’m more optimistic about our RB situation than I was last year, but if Gallman doesn’t put on some weight then he might not be able to handle a full college season. I’d also like to see another back or two step up to relieve the pressure on Gallman. Ideally Morris wants to use at least 2 RBs during the season, but both need to be able to block.

WR – C   The problem with the receiver corps is that it is full of role players and potential. We have some young receivers who could turn out to be the next Watkins or Hopkins, but I want to see them on the field first. Charon Peake returns after an ACL tear last year, but until he is on the field it is hard to say just how good he will be.

OL – D   They might deserve an F, but I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. This is the worst unit at Clemson by a wide margian. It is a soft group that has shown repeatedly they do not get a great push when running the ball. Some of the younger guys are developing, but it doesn’t appear like they are ready to contribute.

DL – A    Easily the best unit at Clemson, and possibly one of the 5 best in the country. Beasley and Jarrett will anchor the DL with a stable cast behind them. Every player in the two-deep should contribute and do some great things on the field.

LB – B    This is a unit that is big on potential, but short on results. Clemson has a surplus of linebackers, but getting consistent play out of them has been difficult. Brent Venables’ defense usually only has 2 LBs on the field, but this unit still needs to become more consistent to help prevent bigger plays in the air and on the ground.

DB – C    Mac Alexander is the big name here, but everyone else could be a bit rough. Travis Blanks will hopefully rebound from a poor second season, but until he does the only real name of note is Alexander.

ST – D   Honestly I expect our special teams to be pretty bad. The kickoff and punt coverage has been poor, and the less we say about the return game the better. The one bright spot was Catanzaro at kicker, but he graduated after a fantastic senior year. At this point I’m just hoping special teams doesn’t hurt us rather than expecting them to help at all.

What can we expect from Clemson in 2014?

I think 2014 will see Clemson take a slight step back or remain about the same.

With Clemson’s schedule, there are really 3 games to worry about, UGA, FSU, and South Carolina. Georgia seems to be a tossup due to the losses for both teams, FSU should be favored, and once again I think we will be better than South Carolina but the players will actually have to show up and not play tight.

The Louisville game bothers me as well, but Clemson should handle the newest member of the ACC. I think 9-3/ 10-2 should be the final record for Clemson. Anything less is nothing but a disappointment.

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Brian Lewis of Shakin the Southland provided the information for our Clemson Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up.  For more Clemson football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Brian on Twitter @Brian_Goodison.

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