Pre-Summer Camp Depth Chart- The Cornerbacks

The Starters

Xavier Brewer returns a pick for a TD!

CB:  Xavier Brewer, Jr. (5-11 190)

  Brewer came on strong last year as he saw a major increase in his playing time.  When the Tigers went to the Nickel package, Gilchrist would move inside and Brewer was on the outside, or vice versa.  Brewer saw time on the outside at corner and inside as the nickel back.  Brewer is making the transition this season to starter and will fill the role that Gilchrist filled last season.  I expect major things from Brewer as he makes the jump to starter, and he should become one of the ACC's top defensive backs.

Coty Sensabaugh breaks up a pass!

CB:  Coty Sensabaugh, Sr. (6-0 180)

  Sensabaugh is one of the fastest players on the team.  He will have to fight to keep his job this season, as the depth chart is loaded to the brim with quality players.  Sensabaugh saw limited time last season, and he didn't do anything spectacular in spring practice to make me believe that he has a firm hold on his job here.  Whether as a starter, or as a backup, Sensabaugh is a good player with decent experience. I suspect he will be valuable this season.

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The Backups

Bashaud Breeland

CB:  Bashaud Breeland, RFr. (6-0 190)

  This is the star of the future, barring unforeseen injury.  Breeland has drawn rave reviews not only from the staff, but also former Tiger star players.  DeAndre McDaniel let the cat out of the bag last season in an interview when he mentioned that Breeland was "lights out" on the practice squad.  Breeland is solidly built with good size and speed.  It would not surprise me at all to see him starting at some point during the first three games.  He is versatile enough to play outside at corner, inside at nickel back, or free safety.

Martin Jenkins tackle against Wake Forest.

CB:  Martin Jenkins, So. (5-10 175)

  Another speedy DB, Jenkins avoided a redshirt last season, but didn't get a lot of time on the field.  Extremely talented and a good return specialist.  A bit undersized for Coach Harbison's liking, but he is still a solid player that provides quality depth.  Jenkins will see his fair share of time on the field this season.  As were all of the DBs from the 2010 class, Jenkins was solid in spring practice.


Up & Comers

Darius Robinson

CB:  Darius Robinson, So. (5-10 165)

  Like Jenkins, Robinson is also undersized.  Robinson saw the field a bit more than Jenkins did last season, and he, too, avoided a redshirt.  Recorded his first pick of his career against Maryland.  Another player that had a solid spring.  Robinson will see the field in limited action this season if he continues to perform as he did during spring practice.

Garry Peters

CB:  Garry Peters, RFr. (6-0 185)

  Peters is a player that impressed me a lot during the Spring Game.  I noticed his play and work ethic  pretty quickly, nor did he go unnoticed by the coaches for his performance.  Peters has good size and speed.  Redshirted last season and it did him a noticeable amount of good.  Peters will also have a shot  to see action this fall.

Cortez Davis

CB:  Cortez Davis, Fr. (6-3 200)

  Davis is a player that must have Coach Harbison drooling to get him on the field.  It will be very tempting to get him playing time this season in key matchups against larger receivers.  Davis looks like a safety and could easily play either safety or CB.  Probably a redshirt, but he will definitely have a chance to earn some playing time if he shows up prepared to play.


Overview


  Clemson's cornerbacks should be strong this season.  In fact, it would not surprise me if this group of corners is not better than last season's starters.  The depth chart is a nice blend of size, speed, and toughness.  This group is much more physical than what we have seen in the past few years here at Clemson.  I agree with Coach Harbison's philosophy of recruiting big DBs.  This is the only way we will be able to match up with the bigger receivers that are starting to dominate the smaller, speedy corners.  I think this unit will be one of the strengths of our defense this year!

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