Clemson has lofty expectations for the 2013 season. With those expectations, while quite a few starters are solidified, comes battles for a few starting positions and for playing time. The players that step up in the spring and early in preseason camp will be the ones that get a head start.
Quarterback-Tajh Boyd is the unquestioned starter heading into next season. The big question is who's going to be his backup. Cole Stoudt has done well in limited duty but Chad Kelly was very good as a scout team player this past season while redshirting. Kelly has impressed the coaches and will get every opportunity to be the backup. Stoudt has developed nicely but Kelly appears to be a better fit in the Chad Morris offense with his mobility.
Running Back-The most interesting battle for a starting position on offense will be finding a suitable replacement for the NFL bound Andre Ellington. Roderick McDowell and D.J. Howard currently have the upper hand and should split the bulk of the action in the spring. McDowell separated himself from Howard being a solid back up in his junior campaign while rushing for 450 yards, 5.4 yards per carry, and 5 touchdowns. Also, in the mix in the should be Zac Brooks. He was unable to contribute much as a true freshman but has the power to contribute. The back that emerges from spring practice as the leader won't have the position locked up. 4-star running backs Tyshon Dye and Wayne Gallman expect to compete for playing time and both are capable of starting. With 5 guys battling for playing time it should make for better results. Dye is a freshman capable of contributing right away but McDowell and Howard have shown at times that they can contribute.
Wide Receiver-Sammy Watkins is the star of the receiver corps but who will step up to replace DeAndre Hopkins and the underrated Jaron Brown. Adam Humphries has been the most consistent of the returning receivers. He finished 3rd on the team in receptions and should not only continue to get a lot of playing but be a go to guy on 3rd down. Martavis Bryant appears to have the most potential of the remaining wide outs. He has freakish size and athleticism. Charone Peake had a good offseason last season but it did not result into a bulk of playing time. Peake could use another big offseason but the question is can he breakout in the regular season. Germone Hopper, who redshirted this past season, expects to compete for playing time. He is a play-maker and is itching to take the field in Death Valley. Also, true freshmen Mike Williams, Kyrin Priester, and T.J. Green all have the potential to compete for playing time right away. Watkins, Humphries, and Bryant appear to be the top 3 right now but with the depth at receiver it could change quickly.
Tight End-The player that emerges as the starting tight end for Clemson will be unproven. Spring practice will go a long way in determining who will start. Sam Cooper has been the most consistent and will the starter going into the spring. Jay Jay McCullough has the most upside of the tight ends and should get a lot of reps. Stanton Seckenger moved from receiver last spring and is still developing as an end. He will need to establish himself as a run blocker. Jordan Leggett will be going through his first spring as an early enrollee. Leggett was has the speed to create problems for defenses when matched up inside with linebackers or split out as a receiver. Leggett will need to prove that he can be a good blocker and add some strength to avoid getting a redshirt.
Fullback-The fullback position is used heavily in Chad Morris' offense but will be critical in short yardage situations. Darrell Smith established himself as a reliable blocker and there is no reason to believe he won't do so again next season.
Offensive Line-Clemson's starting line will only have to replace 4 year starter Dalton Freeman. Brandon Thomas, David Beasley, Tyler Shatley, and Gifford Timothy all return. Who will be the fifth guy and could Shatley move to center. Isaiah Battle was very good when called upon in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl against a very good LSU D-line but is stuck behind 2 solid tackles in Thomas and Timothy. Ryan Nortan was the backup center this past season but Kalon Davis, Spencer Region, and Jay Guillermo all have high upside as interior linemen. This will be a good position battle to watch and likely will not be finalized until a few weeks be for the season kicks off.
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