Pre-Summer Camp Depth Chart- DT

Brandon Thompson

NG:  Brandon Thompson, Sr.

  At 6'2" 308 lbs, Thompson is the biggest and most experienced of Clemson's defensive lineman.  This will be Thompson's first year without First Team All-ACC DT Jarvis Jenkins.  Thompson will have to deal with numerous double teams this year.  He has been consistent, but unable to get to the quarterback.  Thompson has the potential to be a great defensive tackle and is ranked as the top senior defensive tackle in the 2012 NFL Draft by CBSSports.com.

Rennie Moore

DT:  Rennie Moore, Sr.

  At 6'4" 276 lbs, Moore is bursting with energy.  Taking over for Jenkins, Moore hopes to add another 5-10 lbs before the start of next year in the hopes of being able to better handle the run-stuffing aspect of the job.  The key will be his retaining the ability to get to the quarterback.  Moore is solid, and has plenty of experience.  Hopefully we will see #94 in the opposing teams backfield a lot this year!

Second Team

Tyler Shatley

NG:  Tyler Shatley, Soph.

  "Power Hour" Strongman Champion for spring practice of 2010.  Shatley came to Clemson as a 6'3" 250 lb fullback.  Since then, he has bulked up to 295 lbs and is the backup to Brandon Thompson at NG.   Shatley has become a solid player, and is critical for the success of this very young defensive line.

Tavaris Barnes

DT:  Tavaris Barnes, Rfr.

  Barnes is a young player that is blessed with a ton of talent.  The emergence of Corey Crawford, coupled with Barnes' ability to play inside, allowed Barnes to move over behind Rennie Moore.  Barnes firmly took control of this second team spot during the spring over highly touted Rfr. Josh Watson.  Barnes(6'3" 273 lbs) is a star of the future and I look forward to watching him grow up before our eyes this season.

Backups and Incoming Freshmen.

DeShawn Williams

NG:  DeShawn Williams, Fr.
         Grady Jarrett, Fr.
         Jerome Maybank, Fr.

  Williams has the best chance of all three players to get playing time this season.  Jarrett is another possible player to avoid a redshirt.  Maybank is reported to have a lot of work to do and will definitely be a redshirt.

Josh Watson

DT:  Josh Watson, Rfr.
        Tra Thomas, Rfr.
        Roderick Byers, Fr.

  Watson was highly ranked coming in, but has not seemed to grasp the concepts of Coach Steele's defense.  Watson has a lot of work to do this summer.  Thomas is a little undersized at 5'11" 270 lbs and has also had trouble with work ethic.  Byers will have a chance to play this season, but is a projected redshirt.

Tra Thomas

  This defensive tackle unit is very good in the top tier, but the second team is very young.  Thompson and Moore have the potential to pose major headaches for opposing coordinators.  Barnes and Shatley are solid and should be good in backup duty.  The key will be injuries.  This line cannot afford to lose anyone this year.  I expect Dan Brooks to have most of these young players coached up and ready to play later in the year, but it will be the first few games that will be major tests.

Grady Jarrett

Roderick Byers

The Line Remains Unbroken!

Martin Aiken & Dabo Swinney

 
  Martin Aiken announced Sunday afternoon that he will follow a long line of Bamberg-Ehrhardt defensive players to Clemson University.  Aiken (6'3" 245)  is a four star defensive end and a Rivals 250 member.  He is the fifth four star prospect to commit to the Tigers for the 2012 recruiting class.  Aiken chose the Tigers over more than two dozen offers, with his final choice being Clemson over the University of South Carolina, and Georgia Tech.

New Recruiting Tool

  On December 3, 2011, The Weekend of Champions will be played in Death Valley.  The South Carolina High School League and Clemson University have reached an agreement to hold the 3A & 4A State Championship games at Clemson's Memorial Stadium, after Clemson offered the use of their facilities at no cost.  The University of South Carolina has hosted the games at Williams-Brice Stadium  the past two years, but was rumored to have charged up to $40,000 for the use of facilities this year.
  This could provide a boost for recruiting as it is another chance for quality athletes to enjoy one of the biggest moments of their young lives in Clemson Memorial Stadium.  I don't think anyone can deny that all it can take is getting a player on campus to get their attention. (Tony Steward, Sammy Watkins, Travis Blanks, etc)  The 2010 teams featured high school powerhouses such as Byrnes, Dorman, Myrtle Beach,  and South Pointe.  These teams are stocked with D-1 talent year after year.
  It should be great to get these teams and their players on campus an additional time this year.  These have traditionally been great games and now we as Clemson fans can actually enjoy the games without having to travel to Gamecock country to see some great football games.

Weekend Of Champions Moving to Clemson

The Double Edged Sword of Recruiting

The top 10 classes of recruiting generally feature the same teams year in and year out; Bama, Texas, LSU, and the like. Many college football fans belittle the effect of star rankings and point to such examples of Tyler Grisham and Willy Korn as a way to disprove these rankings. These are outliers. An anomaly. More often than not, rankings are pretty accurate. That is why Clemson fans have all the right in the world to be thrilled by the job Dabo and his staff have done on the recruiting trail these past few cycles. They are not only picking up the top players, they are filling desperate needs on the team. At WR and LB where the depth was especially thin, this staff has completely restocked the cupboard with names such as Watkins, Steward, Peake, Anthony, and others. Clemson fans will expect these top players to bring wins, and many of them, on the field. This expectation is completely justified. This is where Dabo and his staff will continue to be scrutinized. Dabo’s biggest strength may ultimately contribute to his failure.

If you’re a Clemson fan, you’ve heard it countless times. Clemson underachieves. Talent is never the problem. As discussed just above, recruiting rankings are generally on point. If these talented players don’t bring wins on the field, then the problem lies elsewhere. The most logical reasoning is the lack of coaching ability of this top talent. Tommy Bowden and Billy Napier have lost their jobs over it. The majority of the time, High School athletes get by on their raw talent because they can and others on that level are not able to stop them. The main job of this coaching staff is to tailor these exceptional skills into ones that translate onto the collegiate football field (technique, scheme, footwork, etc.). Coaches Morris and Hobby were brought in to develop this talent and that is their main priority (aside from Morris’ play calling duties obviously). Continued failures with this great talent would be all the more evidence needed to point the blame at the coaching.

This idea is what makes the 2011 season so polarizing in my mind. It is no secret that Dabo, and TDP for that matter, is on the hot seat. He had a losing record at a school where that simply just does not happen. He has lost twice in a row to the rival school at a school where that does not happen. These new freshman and young kids will have great talent but they will be inexperienced and go through growing pains. That is the reality of the sport. These kids need time to develop. Clemson does not have this time. They need these players to produce wins, and produce them now. A third loss to a VERY GOOD USC team might just be the nail in the coffin for Dabo. Yes, we all hate the Cocks, but this is a good team. My question is: What will be Dabo’s threshold? Where does the line get drawn when the promises of great 2012, 2013, and beyond seasons no longer are good enough to leave this man coaching. If this staff disseminates, how will this new nucleus react? Will their talents go to waste by the transition of a new staff? If Dabo can just get through this year, greener pastures will lie ahead as the teaching develops. However, that is a big “If”.

Vote for Clemson vs. Michigan

Don't forget to vote for the Clemson Tigers vs. the Michigan Wolverines for the SportsNation "NCAA Football Traditions" Challenge!

Pre-Summer Camp Depth Chart- DE

Malliciah Goodman

SDE: Malliciah Goodman, Jr.  


  Goodman is a player that has a monster of an upside.  He more than passes the eye test at 6'4" 265 lbs.  The trick is finding how to get the most out of that upside.  Goodman has been challenged by the coaching staff to take his game to another level much the same way Bowers was challenged last year.  Goodman will have to fight to keep his job, as freshman Corey Crawford impressed the coaches during camp.  Goodman has the potential to be great, but he needs to step up and give it his all this year.

Andre Branch

WDE: Andre Branch, Sr. 


  If the coaches ever hit on an unknown, underrated player, it was Branch.  Branch was a two star defensive end coming out of high school with Clemson being his only offer.  Now, some draft analysts have him a possible first round pick in next year's NFL Draft.  Branch got significant playing time in 2009 and was the starter in 2010.  At 6'5" 260 lbs, Branch is consistent and his play has been overshadowed by great players on the defensive line. (Bowers, Jenkins, Thompson)  Barring injury, expect another consistent and possibly awesome year from Branch.


BACKUPS:

Corey Crawford

SDE: Corey Crawford, Fr. 


  If you look at Clemson's defensive line next year and see a No. 93 out there, it is not DaQuan.  Crawford was given the number and hopefully he will be the next great No. 93.  Crawford looks freakishly good for a player at his age.  At 6'5" 275 lbs, he is a monster of a DE.  Not wanting to jump the gun, but I don't see any slacking off with the loss of DaQuan Bowers.  Crawford was dominant throughout spring practice.  When Kourtnei Brown went down with an injury, he moved over to WDE and continued his dominance.  During the spring game, he man-handled LT Brandon Thomas at times.  Crawford looks like the real deal.

Kourtnei Brown

WDE:  Kourtnei Brown, Sr. 


  Brown is a solid back-up.  He has played well, but never truly lived up to the high expectations that he came to Clemson with.  Brown was injured during the spring but should be fine for summer practice.  He is not expected to challenge Branch for the starting spot, and if anything should happen to Branch, I expect Crawford will move over to fill in.

Joe Gore

Joe Gore is the only other player on the roster that is listed at DE and if injuries become a problem, then he will move into the SDE and Goodman will move to either side he is needed.  Gore is a freshman that enrolled early and participated during spring practice.  He is expected to avoid a redshirt.

The defensive end position is extremely talented, but lacks a lot of depth.  The second level is young, but if major injuries occur, then Tavaris Barnes could slide over from defensive tackle to his original spot.  I expect great things from the ends this year, and expect no significant drop-off from last year.  It all revolves around leadership though.  Bowers was the leader on this line, and it is expected that Goodman should join Brandon Thompson as a leader on this line.  If Goodman steps up, Branch is once again consistent, and Crawford is as good as expected, this could be a nightmare for ACC defensive coordinators.

Morris Does It Again

Chad Morris has secured a second verbal commitment from a high profile player in as many weeks.  RB/WR Zac Brooks committed to Dabo Swinney and the Tigers on Monday night, following his visit to Clemson last week.  Brooks fits Morris' style of offense and will play the RB/WR position for the Tigers.  Brooks is the #12 Athlete in the nation by Rivals.com.

Military Appreciation Day

Military Appreciation Day will be held this year on 09/10/11 for the Clemson vs. Wofford game.  I love how the University of Clemson is so involved in our nation's military, and all they do to support our Armed Forces.

  However, one thing I would like to see is the Tigers playing games on Military Appreciation Day against our Military Schools. (Army, Navy, Air Force)  We play The Citadel every few years, but I think that it would be nice to host those teams here, and it would provide a good atmosphere at Death Valley.  I would also like to see those games scheduled in home/home games.  Imagine having a chance to watch the Tigers play in Annapolis or West Point.

  We all know that the Gamecocks have scheduled a game with Navy for the 2011 season and we see Duke & Maryland schedule games against these teams every few years.  This would be great publicity for the University of Clemson and for our military schools.  Maybe over the next few years, we will be able to see something like this happen.

Pre-Summer Camp Depth Chart- OL

Right Tackle:  Landon Walker

  Landon Walker is the leader not only of this line, but a leader for this entire football team.  Walker is also the reason that this line will come together to be the pillar of this offense.  Walker has organized and led this offensive line to get in better shape to be ready for the fast pace that Coach Morris demands.  Get ready for a great year from Landon!

Right Guard:  Antoine McClain

  McClain has been a starter for most of his career, but he will be challenged this year, not by another player, but by the conditioning.  McClain has always had the most trouble keeping his weight down, and it will be interesting to see how he does with this new offense.  McClain is a mauler in the run game and should eventually play in the NFL.

Center:  Dalton Freeman

  Freeman is the other leader on this line.  When Coach Morris was first hired, it was Freeman and Walker that sought him out prior to spring practice to glean information about his offense.  Freeman has started for almost two years now, and is the clear leader at the center position.

Left Guard:  David Smith

  Smith is a very versatile player that will more than likely end up playing guard this year. But since we are analyzing this line based on the end of the spring, Smith is the current starter heading into the summer.  Smith is a great guard, but his services may be needed at left tackle.

Left Tackle:  Phillip Price

  The left tackle position was supposed to be held down by Brandon Thomas.  But given his play during spring practice, Thomas lost the job to former walk-on tight end, Phillip Price.  This is not a knock on Price.  Price very well could be our left tackle heading into the year.  He has added 50 pounds at Dabo's suggestion and beat out Thomas for the job.  This should be a very interesting battle to watch throughout summer practice.

Potential Starter:  Mason Cloy

  Mason Cloy is listed here because he could be the starter at left guard, should David Smith move to LT.
Cloy has played both Guard and Center and is very versatile.  He can step in and play either guard position and is essentially a starter.


Final Analysis.

  Ok... So my opinion is that the OL will look like this at the end of summer camp.

Left Tackle:  David Smith

Left Guard:  Mason Cloy

Center:  Dalton Freeman

Right Guard:  Antoine McClain

Right Tackle:  Landon Walker

  The hire of Robbie Caldwell to coach this offensive line was one of the smartest hires Dabo made this year.  I love the attitude and toughness that Caldwell demands from his line!  Caldwell also wants his best players on the field, and the players listed above are the best we have.  This line could be very dominant, but it all depends on the depth.  The starters have tons of experience, but the backups... Not so much.  Backup left tackle is listed as Brandon Thomas.  Thomas needs to step his game up to match his talent level.  He takes plays off and got dominated in the spring game by freshman DE, Corey Crawford.    Backup left guards will be Kalon Davis. (Lots of upside here)  If something happens to Freeman, Cloy is the man at Center.  Right guard will be backed up by career backup, Matt Sanders.  Sanders Should be solid as a backup.  Backup RT is a question mark.  Gifford Timothy is listed as the backup, but Phillip Price could move over if David Smith is the starter at the end of practice.

This O Line should be good due to the continuance and experience in the starting lineup, and I have a lot of faith in Coach Caldwell to get the backups ready to play.  I am very excited about watching this line under this coaching staff!

Clemson Depth Chart from Rivals.com
http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/911/1088928.pdf

Burrell committs!

Linebacker T.J. Burrell committed to the Clemson Tigers Thursday night, for the 2012 recruiting class.  Burrell is currently a 3 star player by Rivals.com.  Keep it up Dabo!

Tigers Land Commitment from Hall of Famer's Nephew!

Chad Kelly

  Chad Kelly has verbally committed to play football for the Clemson Tigers in 2012!  Kelly(6'3", 208)  is the No. 8 dual-threat quarterback in the nation by rivals.com.  Kelly has a huge upside, and reports were great on his performance during camp last week.  Dabo can recruit, now he just has to let his assistants do the coaching.

Pre-Summer Camp Depth Chart- WR/TE

WR: DeAndre (Nuke) Hopkins

  Nuke was by far the best wide receiver on this team last year.  He led the team in receiving yardage with 626 yards.  He progressively got better as the season went along.  He was the only receiver during spring practice that solidified his hold on the starting job.  I can see Hopkins becoming a much more polished receiver this year and easily be Clemson's first thousand yard receiver since Aaron Kelly.

WR:  Jaron Brown

  Brown was inconsistent last year and throughout spring practice.  He will have to fight to hold off two incoming freshmen that, in my opinion, could easily win this job if it was based on pure talent alone.  Brown is talented, but his real hold on the job is because of his knowledge of the offense and experience.

WR/TE:  Brandon Ford

  Brandon Ford was relatively quiet until halfway through last year.  He had the long catch against Maryland that was called back, but it showcased his great hands and ability to adjust to the ball in the air.  He was fairly consistent after that game, giving Dwayne Allen some time to breath.  His breakout game was the bowl game, when he had two late touchdown catches to put Clemson back in the game.  He will be lining up at TE some, while moving out to receiver at other times in Chad Morris' offense.

TE:  Dwayne Allen

  When I said that Hopkins was the best wide receiver on the team, that did not include tight end.  Allen was good last year but not great.  He had his moments, but to his credit, he spent alot of time double teamed after the Auburn game when everyone realized that we literally had no receiving threat other than Allen.  The upcoming of Nuke Hopkins and Brandon Ford, with the addition of the three freshmen should make him look more like the receiver he is and give him a little more room to work.

The Other Guys:
  I have based all this on the depth chart going into summer practice.  This is not the way I envision the playing field later in the year.  I think that Sammy Watkins will definitely get alot of playing time this year, lining up in the slot, on the outside, in the backfield, and possibly even as a wildcat QB.  Charone Peake and Martavis Bryant will give Clemson the deep threats that Morris needs to throw his 12+ deep balls a game.  Marquan Jones looked decent in the Spring Game, but did not get a starting job and I do not expect him to be any more consistent than he has been throughout his past three years.  Bryce McNeal talked a big game throughout the spring, but has not been able to get his weight past 180.  Bryce could be a great one should he add a little more size.  At tight end, we can't forget Eric Maclain or Sam Cooper.  McClain has the potential to be great, as he has drawn comparisons to Dallas Cowboy's TE, Jason Witten.  I expect him to get playing time giving Allen breathers this year.  Cooper had a good spring and may also see playing time this year.

All in all, I see Hopkins, Peake, and Watkins starting at the receiver positions by the end of the year.  The pure talent level should push them to the top once they have gotten a handle on this offense.  They are more physical, & possess more speed.  I believe Allen, Ford, and Maclain will all contribute with the influx of new receivers lightening the load on the tight ends.  This unit should be much improved!

Sammy Watkins

Eric Maclain

Charone Peake

Pinion Commits!

Punter Bradley Pinion has just committed to play for the Clemson Tigers!!  Pinion (6'6" 220 Lbs) is one of the biggest punters out there.  Coach Swinney offered him last week during the first session of camp.  Pinion also handles kickoff duties and was recorded at a camp in GA last month with a 100 yarder!  Great pick up!

Pre-Summer Camp Depth Chart- RB

Starter: Andre Ellington 

  Ellington is the clear cut starter here.  I am not sure if I have ever seen a running back at Clemson with the vision and ability to find a hole the way he does.  He put up great numbers including hundred yard outings against Auburn, Miami, and Ga. Tech.  The key here is his injury status.  He says he will be fine and ready for the start of summer camp.  We shall see.

No. 2: Mike Bellamy

  Bellamy should be the number 2 option here.  His speed and agility is undoubtedly elite, but he lacks the size needed for play at the college level right now.  A redshirt would be nice, but will not happen as we need all the playmakers we have on the field.  It should be interesting to see how Coach Morris finds ways to put the ball in his hands in space.  

No. 3:  D.J. Howard 

  I was impressed during the Spring Game as I watched Howard run.  He does not have elite speed, but his speed is adequate.  He seems to have good vision and his size is a plus.  I expect to see him in limited action,  with the depth we have here due to Jamie Harper leaving early.  D.J. could develop into a good running back with experience.

No. 4 Demont Buice  & Rod McDowell (Tied)

  Buice had a good spring and could see some action as a goal line option.  McDowell has been a great disappointment since arriving on campus.  I could see McDowell either line up in the slot to utilize his speed, but if he doesn't produce soon, I could see a switch to Cornerback in the future.

Overall assessment

  I could see Ellington having a record year provided he is healthy.  It would not surprise me to see him rush for 1,200+ yards in this offense.  Bellamy has the potential to be a star as long as Coach Morris can find ways to create good match ups with the defense.  Don't expect him to be great carrying out of the backfield immediately. (Remember Spiller's first year)  I believe the running backs are the strength of our offense and can be a cushion for Tajh as he gets comfortable.  

Pre-Summer Camp Depth Chart- Quarterback

Starter: Tajh Boyd
Boyd had a good spring but still looked like his mechanics were weak during the spring game.  I am encouraged by the fact that he had definitely improved since the bowl game. I feel confident that Tajh will be much more improved after a summer camp spent with Coach Morris.  Coach Swinney was impressed with Boyd, but repeatedly stated that he(Boyd) just needed to slow down and take what the defense gave him instead of going for a homerun every single play.

Key Strengths: Strong Arm, Decent Speed and Vision for a Qb, Good Size, Toughness (remember the hits he took against USuck and South Florida)

Key Areas for Improvement: Footwork, Accuracy, Decision Making, Ball Control (ability to hold onto the football)

Pre-Summer Camp #2: Cole Stoudt
Stoudt might have been one of the most pleasant surprises of spring practice.  He showed his football pedigree in that he grasped the concepts of this offense very quickly.  His footwork and arm mechanics are also already ahead of Boyd's.  I was highly impressed with his ability to stand in the pocket and make passes down field with accuracy and vision.  He throws a great deep ball which has prompted many to wonder if his skills may be used this fall. (Morris wants 12+ deep balls per game)

Key Strengths: Arm Strength, Height & Size, Learning Ability

Key Areas for Improvement: Mechanics, Mobility, Decision Making

#3: Tony McNeal
Probable redshirt as he may end up at another position next spring.

I look for Tajh to solidify his place as the starter this summer.  He has shown a tremendous work ethic and the fans love him for that quality after last year's experience with Kyle Parker's lack thereof.  Stoudt has shown some great qualities and barring any injuries, he should avoid a redshirt and could see moderate playing time this year.  Tajh needs to slow it all down and enjoy the benefits of Andre Ellington in the backfield until he fully understands this new offense.  Rest assured, the success of this season depends on the play of the quarterbacks  and it could be a long season if we have to break in a true freshman should Boyd not play up to his full potential.

Welcome

Just wanted to give a quick "thank you" to those who are visiting for the first time.
TheValleyWatch is a blog designated exclusively to Clemson Tiger Athletics.  We will be looking at the 2011 football season for the Tigers.  Log in and get our opinions on the preseason depth chart, and a preseason breakdown of the 2011 schedule (game by game) and much more. Also feel free to comment and add your opinions to any and all posts.