Quarterback
Starter: Cole Stoudt
Backup: Deshaun Watson
Before spring there was a 3 man battle for the starting QB position. Cole Stoudt separated himself enough to come out as the starter. Stoudt watched for 3 years behind Tajh Boyd and is ready to take of the reigns of Chad Morris’ offenses. He is much underrated especially nationally. Stoudt is 6’4”, an ideal height for QBs, will be just fine. His height and his precision should allow him to be as good as Boyd if not better. At times Boyd’s decision making was terrible. Stoudt should be better at protecting the football. He doesn’t have the luxury of having Sammy Watkins but the talent at receiver is deep enough that he should be able to excel. He’s not as fast as Boyd but wil do okay when called upon in the run game.
His backup will be true freshman Deshaun Watson. Watson is not your typical true freshman. He is ultra-talented and has and on field maturity as if he were a junior or senior. His high school system is very similar to the Chad Morris offense so his biggest challenge should be learning the new terminology. Watson has good height, is accurate, and a strong arm. His running ability makes him a perfect fit for the Clemson offense. His is exactly the kind of QB Morris wants running his system. If Stoudt plays poorly or gets hurt Watson will be ready to take over.
Running Back
Starter: D.J. Howard
Backups: Wayne Gallman, C.J. Davidson, Adam Choice
Unlike quarterback, there is no clear cut starter at running back for the Tigers. 4 guys will likely split carries to start the season. Zac Brooks would have likely started but went down with a season ending foot injury. DJ Howard, Wayne Gallman, CJ Davidson, and Adam Choice will be the 4 guys used in rotation. D.J. Howard has been listed at the top of the depth chart even though it seems as though he hasn’t gotten the praise of the other guys vying for time at running back. Howard has good speed but hasn’t shown much progress in his sophomore and junior campaigns. His upright running style lacks power but he has shown at times he can be dependable.
Wayne Gallman has the most upside of the top 4 backs. His violent running style allows him the ability to pick up tough yards. With Brooks out Gallman will be the most successful in short yardage situations. In the spring game and organized scrimmages he has stood out above the others. When it is all said and done Gallman should be the number 1 running back. C.J. Davidson also has good upside. The former walk-on and track star will find time on the field. Davidson is fast but also has good lateral movement. C.J. can bust off big gains at any time.
With the injury of Brooks, Adam Choice will now see the field on game day. Choice is a complete running back. He has speed, quickness, and power. He also finishes rung often picking up and extra 5 plus yards after contact. He will have to mature but can be a reliable weapon.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Charone Peake, Mike Williams, Adam Humphries
Backups: Germone Hopper, Artavis Scott, Demarre Kitt
Yes, Clemson will have to find a way to fill the void left by Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant. Watkins is a once in lifetime talent but the Tigers have plenty of depth at receiver to fill the void. Charone Peake will be the number 1 receiver. He was ahead of Bryant on the depth chart before injury last season. The question with Peake is whether he will be fully recovered from the ACL injury from last season. He’s super-fast but the question is can he be the go to guy.
Mike Williams will also plenty of chances to prove he can be a top wideout. Williams was dependable as a freshman and is a budding star. In the redzone, he will get plenty of opportunities to out jump shorter defenders with his 6’4” frame. This year he should get more of those opportunities. Adam Humphries may not have the upside of Peake and Williams but he could be the team leader in receptions by seasons end as the 3rd starting receiver. Humphries has dependable hands and has made a number of tough catches in preseason practice. He will be looked to a lot on 3rd downs and could be used like Wes Welker.
Next in line at WR will be Germone Hopper and a trio of freshman receivers: Artavis Scot, Kyrin Priester, and Demarre Kitt. All 4 have the skill sets to fit right in. Even though they are young their fundamentals are veteran like. Hopper and Scott are shorter guys with speed. Priester and Kitt have more size to their advantage. And then there is Travian Thompson. He isn’t as polished as the other freshmen but he is 6’3” and is a playmaker.
Tight End
Starter: Jordan Leggett
Backups: Sam Cooper, Jay Jay McCollough, Stanton Seckinger
There could be 4 different players to start at tight end this year. Of those 4 Jordan Leggett has the highest upside. His speed separates him from the rest yet he still has the height and strength. Jay Jay McCollough has shown out in the spring and preseason practice. He is incredibly ripped and strong. He can be very dependable when blocking. He will also be used as the team’s primary H-back/fullback. Sam Cooper is coming back from injury and is sure to get plenty of playing time. Cooper is one of the 2 best tight ends on the roster. Stanton Seckinger started most of last season but hasn’t really improved and is currently injured. He has good hands but his inability in blocking situations will prevent him from getting a lot of playing time.
Offensive Tackles
Starters-Isaiah Battle, Joe Gore
Backups: Kalon Davis, Maverick Morris, Spencer Region
The Tigers should be solid at offensive tackle this season. Isaiah Battle has finally emerged into the player most thought he could be. He has NFL talent but lacked maturity and good fundamentals. He has overcome those issues and should be rock solid at left tackle. Clemson nation is hoping that he can continue to be focused. At the other tackle to start the season will be Joe Gore. He and Shaq Anthony were battling for the spot. With Anthony transferring there’s not much depth behind him up. Gore has managed to hold his own but will be tested the first game against the Bulldogs strong defensive line. With Anthony gone, starting guard, Kalon Davis will be used at tackle too. Others battling for time will be redshirt freshman Maverick Morris, and possible Spencer Region. Region made huge strides in offseason workouts and came to preseason practice in the best shape he’s ever been in.
Offensive Guards
Starters: Kalon Davis, David Beasley, Reid Webster/Eric Mac Lain
Backups: Jay Guillermo, Tyron Crowder
The interior lineman are somewhat unproven yet it feels like they will be good. David Beasley should be at the top of the depth. Beasley was good as a starter last season but will be suspended for the season opener. Opposite of him will be Kalon Davis. If just look at Davis you can tell he has and toughness and a nastiness that makes great offensive linemen. Davis is 6’5” 340. He has waited for his time and as a senior he should take advantage of the opportunity to start. He can also move around to other positions along the line if need be.
With Beasley out the first game, Erick Mac Lain and Reid Webster will split the duties. Mac Lain is new to the position and is an unknown. Webster is a more natural fit at guard but lacks experience. Look for Jay Guillermo to possibly play guard as well. Redshirt Freshman Tyrone Crowder will also push for time. He has insane strength. He does need to improve his quickness and fundamentals. He is bound to be a star but it’s a matter of when at this point.
Center
Starter: Ryan Norton
Backup: Jay Guillermo
Ryan Norton will return as the team’s starting center. Norton was consistent last year and has done nothing to lose the starting position. He isn’t super talented but he gets the job done. Backing him up will be Guillermo. Guillermo has pushed Norton. Guillermo should split time between guard and center even though he is not listed on the 2 deep at guard.
Back to the Clemson Tigers Newsfeed