Spring practice outlook for Clemson & South Carolina
It seems just like yesterday we were watching the Alabama Crimson Tide and Texas Longhorns play for the National Title in the Rose Bowl.
Or maybe it was like yesterday National Signing Day and top prospects gave new light into a programs future.
College football has become a year-long sport, and the next big event is the start of spring practice, followed by teams annual spring games.
This is the time of year when teams get a chance to look at younger, unproven guys and see what they can do, to implement new schemes, or help settle position battles.
This goes the same for both the South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers.
This edition of the Lake Report, we will focus on objectives for the spring, and a projected post-Spring ball roster. Keep in mind, this report will only include players enrolled for the spring semester. Another report will come out in the fall including all incoming players.
Clemson
The Tigers will have an interesting spring to say the least. They will have to pretty much replace the entire offense, as well as some key cogs on defense. Here are the main areas to look for during the Clemson spring drills.
1-Who will replace C.J. Spiller?
Spiller did everything for Clemson: He ran it, caught it, returned kicks/punts, and threw a touchdown pass. So who is going to replace that?
Truth be told, no one. It will take a cast of characters to replace the production of Spiller. In the running game, look for a three-way battle among Andre Ellington, Jaimie Harper and RS-Fr. Roderick McDowell. Ellington is the one who can match Spiller's speed, and should be the guy that also does kick/punt return duty. Harper could be the power back, assuming he gets his fumbles under control. McDowell is the smallest of the backs, but he is listed as a 4.45 40-yard dash guy.
2-Who will step up in the receiving game?
WR Jacoby Ford and TE Michael Palmer were the offense in the passing game. Outside of those guys, no one really stepped up. With those two gone, who will be the offense outside the running game?
Looking at it, RS-Fr. WR Bryce McNeal would be a safe bet to pick. Also look for TE Dwayne Allen, who showed flashes last year. As for a possession guy, WR Brandon Ford could be what the Tigers have lacked since Aaron Kelly. For a pure speed WR, look for Marquan Jones, who saw limited action last year behind J. Ford. Behind that though, it is pretty shaky.
3-Who is going to play cornerback?
Crezdon Butler and Chris Chancellor are gone. That leaves two gaping holes up for grabs. Though Clemson will probably have to wait for their complete rotation to come in, they do have some guys on campus now. Coty Sensabaugh, Xavier Brewer, Byron Maxwell and Marcus Gilchrist. Brewer is probably the most athletic guy out of the group, and Sensabaugh is the biggest. Gilchrist is the wildcard: He played safety last year, but was recruited as a corner.
4-What to do with Kyle Parker?
Parker will again be splitting time between the baseball and football team. But the real question is, how many reps do you give RS-Fr Tajh Boyd? Parker's future is in the air, depending on where he is drafted in the MLB draft. This will be the most difficult part of spring for coach Swinney. It is pretty much a given that Michael Wade won't be the starter either way.
Projected post-Spring Depth Chart
QB-Kyle Parker, Tajh Boyd, Michael Wade
RB-Andre Ellington, Jaimie Harper, McDowell
*FB-Chad Diehl
WR-Brandon Ford, Xavier Dye, Brandon Clear
LT: Chris Hairston, Matt Sanders, Tyler Fowler
LG: Mason Cloy, Kenneth Page, Tyler Felt
C: Dalton Freeman, Mason Cloy, Ben Ramsey
RG: Antoine McClain, Wilson Norris, Matt Sanders
RT: Landon Walker, David Smith, Phillip Price
TE-Dwayne Allen, Darrel Smith, Kasey Nobles
WR-Marquan Jones, Terrance Ashe
WR-Bryce McNeal, Jaron Brown
DE: Mallicah Goodman, Andre Branch, Rennie Mooore
DT: Brandon Thompson, Jaime Cumbie, Tyler Shatley
DT: Jarvis Jenkins, Miguel Chavis
DE: DaQuan Bowers, Kourtnei Brown, Byron Clear
LB: Jonathan Williard, Quandon Christian
LB: Brandon Maye, Spencer Shuey
LB: Corico Hawkins, Tarik Rollins
CB: Xavier Brewer, Coty Sensabaugh
S: Rashard Hall, Spencer Adams
S: Deandre McDaniel, Jonathan Meeks, Carlton Lewis
CB: Byron Maxwell, Marcus Gilchrist
K: Spencer Benton
P: Dawson Zimmerman
KR: Andre Ellington, Marquan Jones
PR: Andre Ellington
South Carolina
The Gamecocks can't wait to get started. After their dismal showing at the Papajohns.com Bowl against UConn, the fans probably can't wait either. Some early news before we get into things: FB Pat Dimarco will be tested at tight end, as the Gamecocks attempt to turn him into a true H-Back, and add another wrinkle to the offense. Also, WRs Alshon Jeffery and Tori Gurley are going to be on the field at the same time. But, into the things to look for this spring.
1-Who is going to play offensive line?
This question has plagued Steve Spurrier since his arrival. Last year marked the third year in a row the run game has been in the bottom of the SEC. Not to mention QB Stephen Garcia was sacked 37 times this year, and hit many, many more. The Gamecocks signed a large class of Olinemen this year, but there are a few guys returning that could give hope for new Oline coach Shawn Elliott.
Watch this spring for guards T.J. Johnson, Steve Singleton and RS-Fr. Nick Allison. Also, OT Rokevious Watkins will make a very competitve Oline group this year. Returners include OTs Kyle Nunn and Hutch Eckerson, guards Garrett Chisolm and Terrance Campbell.
2-Who is going to replace Eric Norwood?
Mr. Energy for the South Carolina defense last year, LB Eric Norwood is gone to the NFL, and USC has a gaping hole in the D to fill. LB Rodney Paulk returns for another year of eligibility, so that leaves the other LB spot open. All signs point to Shaq Wilson, but also keep an eye out for Josh Dickerson and JUCO transfer Qua Gilchrist.
3-When will USC see Jarvis Giles?
Heralded runningback Jarvis Giles came in last year hot, but after the SC State game, he was benched for the remainder of the year, to get stronger and more knowledgeable of the offense. Giles is the best thing USC has to an explosive threat in the running game. With a stacked backfield of Kenny Miles, Brian Maddox and Eric Baker, where will Giles fit in?
4-Will we see more of the 'Wildcock'?
It took a whole year, but the Gamecocks version of the 'Wildcat' was unveiled against rival Clemson with great success. Headed by cornerback Stephon Gilmore, one would hope this formation could be a cure for USC's running game woes, especially with speedsters Giles and the diminutive Bryce Sherman.
5-Who is going to be the backup QB?
With Reid McCollum transferring, that leaves a hole at the number two spot for QB. Aramis Hillary looks to be the heir, but he will have to hold off RS-Fr. Andrew Clifford and early enrollee Connor Shaw. Garcia has a lock on the starting job, but USC will need a number two guy ready to go in case Garcia goes down. Should be an interesting battle to watch, as I don't expect Garcia to see too many reps in the spring game.
Projected post-Spring Depth Chart
QB: Stephen Garcia, Andrew Clifford, Aramis Hillary, Connor Shaw
RB: Kenny Miles, Jarvis Giles, Brian Maddox, Bryce Sherman
*FB: Pat Dimarco, Matt Coffee, Brian Maddox
WR: Alshon Jeffery, Demario Bennett, Stephen Flint
LT: Kyle Nunn, Jarriel King
LG: Nick Allison, Steve Singleton
C: TJ Johnson, Ryan Broadhead
RG: Rokevious Watkins, Terrence Campbell
RT: Hutch Eckerson, Quintin Richardson
TE: Wesley Saunders, Pat Dimarco, Justice Cunningham, Mike Triglia
WR: Dion Lecorn, Lamar Scruggs, DeAngelo Smith
WR: Tori Gurley, Jason Barnes, DL Moore
DE: Devin Taylor, Byron McKnight
DT: Ladi Ajiboye, Melvin Ingram,
DT: Travian Robertson, Ronald Byrd, Kenny Davis
DE: Cliff Matthews, Chaz Sutton, Aldrick Fordham
LB: Rodney Paulk, Josh Dickerson, Quin Smith, Chaun Gresham
LB: Shaq Wilson, Qua Gilchrist, Tony Straughter, Reggie Bowens
Spur: Damario Jeffery, Antonio Allen, Jarrett Burns
CB: Stephon Gilmore, Jay Spearman, Brandan Davis
SS: Devonte Holloman, Corey Addison
FS: Akeem Auguste, DJ Swearinger, Alonzo Winfield
CB: Chris Culliver, CC Whitlock Jimmy Legree
Or maybe it was like yesterday National Signing Day and top prospects gave new light into a programs future.
College football has become a year-long sport, and the next big event is the start of spring practice, followed by teams annual spring games.
This is the time of year when teams get a chance to look at younger, unproven guys and see what they can do, to implement new schemes, or help settle position battles.
This goes the same for both the South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers.
This edition of the Lake Report, we will focus on objectives for the spring, and a projected post-Spring ball roster. Keep in mind, this report will only include players enrolled for the spring semester. Another report will come out in the fall including all incoming players.
Clemson
The Tigers will have an interesting spring to say the least. They will have to pretty much replace the entire offense, as well as some key cogs on defense. Here are the main areas to look for during the Clemson spring drills.
1-Who will replace C.J. Spiller?
Spiller did everything for Clemson: He ran it, caught it, returned kicks/punts, and threw a touchdown pass. So who is going to replace that?
Truth be told, no one. It will take a cast of characters to replace the production of Spiller. In the running game, look for a three-way battle among Andre Ellington, Jaimie Harper and RS-Fr. Roderick McDowell. Ellington is the one who can match Spiller's speed, and should be the guy that also does kick/punt return duty. Harper could be the power back, assuming he gets his fumbles under control. McDowell is the smallest of the backs, but he is listed as a 4.45 40-yard dash guy.
2-Who will step up in the receiving game?
WR Jacoby Ford and TE Michael Palmer were the offense in the passing game. Outside of those guys, no one really stepped up. With those two gone, who will be the offense outside the running game?
Looking at it, RS-Fr. WR Bryce McNeal would be a safe bet to pick. Also look for TE Dwayne Allen, who showed flashes last year. As for a possession guy, WR Brandon Ford could be what the Tigers have lacked since Aaron Kelly. For a pure speed WR, look for Marquan Jones, who saw limited action last year behind J. Ford. Behind that though, it is pretty shaky.
3-Who is going to play cornerback?
Crezdon Butler and Chris Chancellor are gone. That leaves two gaping holes up for grabs. Though Clemson will probably have to wait for their complete rotation to come in, they do have some guys on campus now. Coty Sensabaugh, Xavier Brewer, Byron Maxwell and Marcus Gilchrist. Brewer is probably the most athletic guy out of the group, and Sensabaugh is the biggest. Gilchrist is the wildcard: He played safety last year, but was recruited as a corner.
4-What to do with Kyle Parker?
Parker will again be splitting time between the baseball and football team. But the real question is, how many reps do you give RS-Fr Tajh Boyd? Parker's future is in the air, depending on where he is drafted in the MLB draft. This will be the most difficult part of spring for coach Swinney. It is pretty much a given that Michael Wade won't be the starter either way.
Projected post-Spring Depth Chart
QB-Kyle Parker, Tajh Boyd, Michael Wade
RB-Andre Ellington, Jaimie Harper, McDowell
*FB-Chad Diehl
WR-Brandon Ford, Xavier Dye, Brandon Clear
LT: Chris Hairston, Matt Sanders, Tyler Fowler
LG: Mason Cloy, Kenneth Page, Tyler Felt
C: Dalton Freeman, Mason Cloy, Ben Ramsey
RG: Antoine McClain, Wilson Norris, Matt Sanders
RT: Landon Walker, David Smith, Phillip Price
TE-Dwayne Allen, Darrel Smith, Kasey Nobles
WR-Marquan Jones, Terrance Ashe
WR-Bryce McNeal, Jaron Brown
DE: Mallicah Goodman, Andre Branch, Rennie Mooore
DT: Brandon Thompson, Jaime Cumbie, Tyler Shatley
DT: Jarvis Jenkins, Miguel Chavis
DE: DaQuan Bowers, Kourtnei Brown, Byron Clear
LB: Jonathan Williard, Quandon Christian
LB: Brandon Maye, Spencer Shuey
LB: Corico Hawkins, Tarik Rollins
CB: Xavier Brewer, Coty Sensabaugh
S: Rashard Hall, Spencer Adams
S: Deandre McDaniel, Jonathan Meeks, Carlton Lewis
CB: Byron Maxwell, Marcus Gilchrist
K: Spencer Benton
P: Dawson Zimmerman
KR: Andre Ellington, Marquan Jones
PR: Andre Ellington
South Carolina
The Gamecocks can't wait to get started. After their dismal showing at the Papajohns.com Bowl against UConn, the fans probably can't wait either. Some early news before we get into things: FB Pat Dimarco will be tested at tight end, as the Gamecocks attempt to turn him into a true H-Back, and add another wrinkle to the offense. Also, WRs Alshon Jeffery and Tori Gurley are going to be on the field at the same time. But, into the things to look for this spring.
1-Who is going to play offensive line?
This question has plagued Steve Spurrier since his arrival. Last year marked the third year in a row the run game has been in the bottom of the SEC. Not to mention QB Stephen Garcia was sacked 37 times this year, and hit many, many more. The Gamecocks signed a large class of Olinemen this year, but there are a few guys returning that could give hope for new Oline coach Shawn Elliott.
Watch this spring for guards T.J. Johnson, Steve Singleton and RS-Fr. Nick Allison. Also, OT Rokevious Watkins will make a very competitve Oline group this year. Returners include OTs Kyle Nunn and Hutch Eckerson, guards Garrett Chisolm and Terrance Campbell.
2-Who is going to replace Eric Norwood?
Mr. Energy for the South Carolina defense last year, LB Eric Norwood is gone to the NFL, and USC has a gaping hole in the D to fill. LB Rodney Paulk returns for another year of eligibility, so that leaves the other LB spot open. All signs point to Shaq Wilson, but also keep an eye out for Josh Dickerson and JUCO transfer Qua Gilchrist.
3-When will USC see Jarvis Giles?
Heralded runningback Jarvis Giles came in last year hot, but after the SC State game, he was benched for the remainder of the year, to get stronger and more knowledgeable of the offense. Giles is the best thing USC has to an explosive threat in the running game. With a stacked backfield of Kenny Miles, Brian Maddox and Eric Baker, where will Giles fit in?
4-Will we see more of the 'Wildcock'?
It took a whole year, but the Gamecocks version of the 'Wildcat' was unveiled against rival Clemson with great success. Headed by cornerback Stephon Gilmore, one would hope this formation could be a cure for USC's running game woes, especially with speedsters Giles and the diminutive Bryce Sherman.
5-Who is going to be the backup QB?
With Reid McCollum transferring, that leaves a hole at the number two spot for QB. Aramis Hillary looks to be the heir, but he will have to hold off RS-Fr. Andrew Clifford and early enrollee Connor Shaw. Garcia has a lock on the starting job, but USC will need a number two guy ready to go in case Garcia goes down. Should be an interesting battle to watch, as I don't expect Garcia to see too many reps in the spring game.
Projected post-Spring Depth Chart
QB: Stephen Garcia, Andrew Clifford, Aramis Hillary, Connor Shaw
RB: Kenny Miles, Jarvis Giles, Brian Maddox, Bryce Sherman
*FB: Pat Dimarco, Matt Coffee, Brian Maddox
WR: Alshon Jeffery, Demario Bennett, Stephen Flint
LT: Kyle Nunn, Jarriel King
LG: Nick Allison, Steve Singleton
C: TJ Johnson, Ryan Broadhead
RG: Rokevious Watkins, Terrence Campbell
RT: Hutch Eckerson, Quintin Richardson
TE: Wesley Saunders, Pat Dimarco, Justice Cunningham, Mike Triglia
WR: Dion Lecorn, Lamar Scruggs, DeAngelo Smith
WR: Tori Gurley, Jason Barnes, DL Moore
DE: Devin Taylor, Byron McKnight
DT: Ladi Ajiboye, Melvin Ingram,
DT: Travian Robertson, Ronald Byrd, Kenny Davis
DE: Cliff Matthews, Chaz Sutton, Aldrick Fordham
LB: Rodney Paulk, Josh Dickerson, Quin Smith, Chaun Gresham
LB: Shaq Wilson, Qua Gilchrist, Tony Straughter, Reggie Bowens
Spur: Damario Jeffery, Antonio Allen, Jarrett Burns
CB: Stephon Gilmore, Jay Spearman, Brandan Davis
SS: Devonte Holloman, Corey Addison
FS: Akeem Auguste, DJ Swearinger, Alonzo Winfield
CB: Chris Culliver, CC Whitlock Jimmy Legree
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