2006 Statistics

Though the competition for the QB slot will grab most headlines, it is the revampings along the line that will also define the 2007 Tigers. Junior Cullen Harper is tentatively atop the depth chart due to being the lone candidate with real game experience, but classmates Tribble Reese and Michael Wade join five-star recruit Willy Korn (whom many have already anointed as the next starter) as dual-threat alternatives who all have a shot. Whoever wins will have earned the start, and QB coach/OC Rob Spence assures a honed hurler will be ready by September. Luckily, the only regular starting lineman back for the new QB is first-team all-conference senior LT Barry Richardson, a monster who is likely to earn all-American honors by season’s end. Ex-DT Chris McDuffie saw some starts at left guard, but otherwise, “There will be some drop-off” according to line coach Brad Scott, though he likes his prospects. RB James Davis, also all-ACC first-team, teams with similarly-sized five-star sophomore C.J. Spiller to form one of the nation’s best RB duos (finished 5th in the nation for team rushing). Depth here means the well-rounded backs are more than ready once the line steps up. The biggest surprise may be the reemergence of heady TE Akeem Robinson, a true freak of nature who can do things most guys his size can’t. Juniors Aaron Kelly and Rendrick Taylor also bring size to the possible snarlers, and either is a prime candidate to become the new deep threat here. Classmate Tyler Grisham rounds out the role players who make Bowden’s three- and four-receiver sets work. The Tiger offense seemingly went south for the last five games (averaged 18 points in that span), so the issues at QB and along the line only add to the notion that Clemson has much to prove before again being a juggernaut that is considered the division favorite.

Goodbye Gaines Adams, hello Ricky Sapp. True sophomore Sapp has the physical tools to become as great as Adams, and as the only new starter along the line, the svelte, quick end will have the leeway to dominate. Insiders Jock McKissic and Dorell Scott do a great job clogging the middle, while fellow junior Phillip Merling gets into backfields as often as Gaines did. Allowing foes 2.9 ypc and only 12 ground scores to again finish in the top 20 for rushing defense is attainable, especially with all of the starting LBs back. Senior OLBs Maurice Nelson and Nick Watkins, as well as former prep hurdle champ Anthony Clay (MLB), all play huge though all are listed at or under 225lbs. (developed depth amongst the corps adds girth). Clay is out of school until further notice, but he is expected back by fall. Especially strong is the corps’ underneath coverage. The entire front seven shouldn’t miss a beat. Neither should the sophomore corners, both of who saw plenty of action in ’06 as reserves to prove they can secure the sidelines in any situation and are ready for the permanent start here. Junior free safety Chris Clemons and “CAT” classmate Mike Hamlin can assist from their deep middle slots. Look for future star and true frosh DeAndre McDaniel as co-starter at “CAT” and other DB slots to have major impact after his huge spring. Along with senior backup Roy Walker, this DB crew smacks ball-carriers and recovers well in play-action. Improving on the Tiger’s 13th-ranking for total defense isn’t an outrageous prediction given the eight returning starters, developed depth and incredible recruiting efforts recently procured. Starting at home against FSU means we will see real quickly whether the Tiger’s D can get its killer instinct back after allowing 28 and 31 points in their last two ’06 tilts.