2010 NCAA Football Preview: Clemson
The Clemson Tigers will always be proud of one particular thing in their long and historic tradition—John Heisman was once the coach for the Tigers, successfully leading them to their first undefeated season (6-0) back in 1900. Heisman would not officially become the team’s first full-time coach until defeating Georgia Tech 73-0 in 1903.
That lofty start for the program would go on to result in one national title, 17 conference titles, and an all-time record of 625-426-45. Last season was a good step in continuing that tradition with a 9-5 record including a win over Kentucky in the Music City Bowl. Last season they were actually able to get back to the conference championship game after winning their division, only to lose to Georgia Tech.
However, going into 2010 that success may be a lot harder to come by. Much of the star power will be gone, working on careers in the NFLl. Replacing their talents will not be an enviable task for head coach Dabo Swinney.
Offense
Clemson nearly lost three of their skill players to the professional ranks after the 2009 season. As it was, they did lose running back C.J. Spiller and wide receiver Jacoby Ford to the NFL and nearly lost their quarterback, Kyle Parker, to baseball's Colorado Rockies.
Parker was one of those rare athletes to hit 20 home runs and throw 20 touchdown passes in 2009. The Rockies were impressed enough to draft him, but Parker opted to return to school instead. Coach Swinney has to be happy since Parker will only be a sophomore going into 2010 and has tremendous upside after completing 55.6% of his passes for 2526 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Parker will have to break in some new skill players in 2010. Both Jamie Harper and Andre Ellington are decent backs with plenty of potential. Running behind a line that has four returning starters including tackle Chris Hairston who was an all-conference player in 2009 will make it easier for that upside to be realized.
Where the offense may hurt will be at wide receiver. Along with Ford, two of the other top receivers are gone as well. Parker will be working with a bunch that does not have a single person with more than 14 catches (from 2009). Senior Xavier Dye had 14 receptions for 236 yards and three touchdowns.
Defense
Clemson’s 20th ranked defense definitely kept the team in games last year. Going into 2010 the team will have to replace some important pieces of that squad with only six returning starters.
Hit the hardest was the secondary, which will potentially hurt the most with last year’s squad ranking seventh in the nation in pass defense. Returning to lead the squad will be senior DeAndre McDaniel at strong safety. McDaniel could end up making himself a top draft pick in 2010 if he is able to improve off of his 102 tackle, eight interception performance from 2009. Marcus Gilchrist has the potential to be the next great thing for the Tiger secondary after making 96 tackles last season.
Where the unit should be the best is on the front line. Plenty of talent returns with three of four starters coming back (Da’Quan Bowers, Jarvis Jenkins, and Brandon Thompson). There is also plenty of depth up front with seniors Jamie Cumbie and Miguel Chavis looking for time at the tackles as well as Malliciah Goodman and Andre Branch at the ends.
Even though the secondary lost so many players, it will still not be the weak spot. However, the team may hurt at linebacker. Brandon Maye returns to the group and is coming off of a 103 tackle season; but the team does not appear to have much help for him though.
Clemson does have a lot of great players returning to the squad in 2010, but they will have to replace some key personnel if they are going to build off of last season’s success.
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