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.