In an evaluation of returning talent by ESPN, Clemson currently ranks 65th in their poll
In an evaluation of returning talent by ESPN, Clemson currently ranks 65th in their poll. Basically, the Tigers are returning 46% of their production on offense and 92% (3rd best) of the defense.
The offense lost 5 starters off the offense to the NFL draft, most notable the #1 pick in Trevor Lawrence. The tigers also lost wide receivers Cornell Powell, and Amari Rodgers, along with 1st rounder Travis Etienne. Jackson Carman was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2nd round.
The other loss on the offense was center Cade Stewart. So, according to the depth chart last posted for the Sugar Bowl game, Clemson brings back three starters on the OL, TE Braden Galloway and WR EJ Williams.
Note of interest, Clemson played most of the year without three of their top wide receivers in Justyn Ross, Frank Ladson and Joe Ngata.
Players to watch that will be primed to break out or contribute early: Will Shipley, Phil Mafah, EJ Williams, Tristan Leigh, Marcus Tate, and Mitchell Mayes. Don’t be surprised to see big Jaedyn Lay make an impact at the tight end position.
On the left side is the starting lineups for the Tigers in 2020 and the right side is an educated guess on what the team will look like in 2021.
LT – Jackson Carman LG – Matt Bockhorst C – Cade Stewart RG – WIll Putnam
RT – Jordan McFadden TE – Braden Galloway WR – Cornell Powell QB – Trevor Lawrence RB – Travis Etienne WR – Amari Rodgers WR – EJ Williams
LT – Walker Parks
LG – Matt Bockhorst
C – Mason Trotter
RG – WIll Putnam
RT – Jordan McFadden TE – Braden Galloway WR – Justyn Ross
QB – DJ Uiagalelei
RB – Lyn-J Dixon
WR – Joe Ngata
WR – Frank Ladson
Defensively, the Tigers bring back everyone except Mike Jones Jr. (transfer) and Derion Kendrick (transfer). This Clemson defense could truly be one of the best in college football as the front 7 are going to be plain nasty.
Due to the NCAA allowing an extra year for anyone that wants it, the Tigers are lucky to bring back James Skalski, Baylon Spector and Nolan Turner for one more season. This gives the “young guns” another year to grow and learn behind these solid players.
Sophomore Trenton Simmons came on like gangbusters and will step into the starting role replacing Jones while former 5-star Andrew Booth is primed to be the stud cornerback he was expected to be coming out of high school. Take a look at what the starting defense might look like against Georgia in the opening game of 2021.
DE – KJ Henry
DT – Bryan Bresee
DT – Tyler Davis
DE – Myles Murphy LB – James Skalsi
LB – Baylon Spector LB – Mike Jones JR CB – Derion Kendrick S – Lannden Zanders S – Nolan Turner
CB – Sheridan Jones
DE – KJ Henry
DT – Bryan Bresee DT – Tyler Davis
DE – Myles Murphy LB – James Skalski LB – Baylon Spector LB – Trenton Simpson CB – Andrew Booth
S – Lannden Zanders S – Nolan Turner
CB – Sheridan Jones
This is the test for the “we don’t rebuild, we reload” theory that Clemson fans think that the Tigers have finally ascended to. Only time will tell.
