Four players have made the decision to return. All four could have easily went into the draft. Having said that, lets look at the defense that will be on the field for the tigers in the come September
Defensive ends = without question, probably the deepest position on the field. Ferrell and Bryant will be arquably the best DE duo in the country and will wreak havoc. Behind them are 4 returnees in Yeargin, Foster, Kelly and Register. Throw in Rudolph, Thomas, Henry and Mascoll. That gives Clemson 10......count them, 10 DEs on the roster. There are no 2-star projects here. Studs in every way. I personally can see two or 3 converting to LB's. Rudolph, Foster maybe. You have to give this group an A+ grade.
Defensive linemen = This group isn't as deep as defensive ends, but they are solid. IF Wilkins returns, then yes, they are fairly deep. Lawrence is a man amongst boys, as is Wilkins. IF Wilkins does not return, then you'll have a spring battle between Huggins and Pinkney for the starting position opposite Lawrence. Other returnees will be Stanley Johnson and Jordan Williams. Newcomers Darnell Jeffries and Josh Belk, these two are simply studs and can learn from the best.
Linebackers = The return of Joseph can not be overstated. He is the leader of the LB corp that returns Tre Lamar, James Skalski, and the Davis twins, along with Chad Smith, Baylon Spector and Rashaun Smith (YET to realize his 5-star potential). Incoming LBs Jake Venables and Mike Jones brings in aggression and heady play. This group is straight out solid with the return of Joseph. Tre Lamar missed the last half of the season, so he is anxious to get back.
Secondary = Returning CBs include Mark Fields, Treyvon Mullen, and AJ Burrell, three lockdown corners and as good as any coming back in the country. Add Leanthony Williams off a redshirt year, plus incoming freshman Kyler McMicheal and this position is in good hands. The safety position is stacked as well. Tanner Muse, Isaiah Simmons, K'von Wallace, Denzil Johnson, and Nolan Turner has the position well in hand. This secondary will truly reap the benefits of a STRONG front 7.
I guess I should have said THREE deep. :-)
Did I leave anyone out? Thoughts?
