80 – Today’s Magic Number
The Clemson Tigers are on an 18 game winning streak. After the National Championship game last year, sports media was already on the 2019 season and spreading doubts about Clemson’s defense and the “rebuild” that was going to happen. Clemson people knew the talent was there to plug in for the likes of Christian Wilkins, Cle Ferrell, etc. Nyles Pinckney and Jordan Williams were waiting in the wings to make the step from depth to starter. Xavier Kelly and Darnell Jefferies stepping up to provide depth, and then you have incoming freshman Tyler Davis to challenge for reps. If you want to talk about defensive ends, yes, Clemson lost Austin Bryant and Cle Ferrell, but look who is coming back. Xavier Thomas, Justin Foster, Justin Mascoll, KJ Henry and Logan Rudolph (2 freshmen, 2 sophs 1 junior). My point is depth.
Clemson has depth all over the field on both offense and defense. It’s not only “just” depth, it’s quality depth. Hence, the number “80” comes in. Clemson has 80 freshmen and sophomores on this team. That is a LOT of youth, yet they have a solid hold on the #1 spot in the nation. On this current roster, Clemson has 18 offensive linemen. The breakdown is: 7 freshmen, 5 sophomores, 2 juniors and 4 seniors. Yes, the 4 seniors are all starters. However, take a look at the OL class coming in next year. There are literally 5 4-star OL coming in for 2020. This incoming class is highly rated and will step in ready to play. According to all the “other” recruiting sites, Clemson is due to have the #1 class coming in for 2020. The jury is still out on at least 3 5-stars still considering Clemson. Landing at least two of these would cement this class. Look at the 2020 recruiting class for Clemson. If a coach is able to put up 22 positions on a chalk board, 11 on offense and 11 on defense, that is the ultimate blue print for recruiting. Coach Swinney and staff has done exactly that. Check it out.
QB – DJ Uiagalelei 5* 6-4 246. #1 ranked PRO style
RB – Demarkus Bowman. 5* 5-11 195. #2 ranked RB, #16 in the nation
RB -Kobe Pryor. 4*. 5-10 205.
WR – Ajou Ajou 3* 6-4 215 Project
WR – EJ William 4*. 6-3. 183. #20 WR in the nation
TE – Sage Ennis. 3*. 6-4 220. #18 ranked TE
OL – John Williams. 3*. 6-5 270. #28 ranked OT
OL – Paul Tchio 4*. 6-6 320. #4 ranked OG
OL – Bry Tucker 4*. 6-5 305. #6 ranked OG
DE – Myles Murphy. 5*. 6-5 255. #2 ranked SDE, #4 in the nation DE –
DT – Bryan Bresee. 5*. 6-5 290 #1 ranked DT, #2 in the nation
DT – Tre Williams 4*. 6-2 306. #6 ranked DT
DT – Demonte Capehart. 4*. 6-4 284. #2 ranked
LB – Kevin Swint 4*. 6-2 243. #12 ranked
ILB LB – Sergio Allen 4*. 6-1 217. #8 ranked
DB – Fred Davis II. 4*. 6-0 186. #3 ranked CB
DB – S. – RJ Mickens. 4* 6-0 197. #3 ranked
S S. – Tyler Venables. 3*. 5-10 190 #69 ranked S
Final word, Clemson is THE program in college football today. Recruiting and coaching. 80.
Brought to you by our Sponsor:
