As spring draws to a close, Clemson football finds itself with a series of unknowns.
Normally, unknowns lead to big issues later on when the season starts. In this case, the question marks on the depth chart mean two things.
First, the players that excelled in the spring have a significant leg up. Second, the talent coming in will undoubtedly get significant playing time, if not starting roles this fall.
After looking at the Clemson offense, it is now time to examine the other side of the ball for the Tigers this fall. After finishing 19th & 20th in two years since defensive coordinator Kevin Steele took over (and 18th, 9th, and 13th under Vic Koenning before that), Clemson has once again cemented it's place as a Top 20 squad. After a lull for the early part of the 2000's, the Tigers 'D' looks much the same as during their glory days of the 1980's and 90's.
Recently, however they've also done it while playing a significantly more difficult schedule including (typically) two SEC opponents and drastically improved ACC defenses conference-wide. After losing defensive end Da'Quan Bowers and three of their top four in the secondary we'll look at how will the Tigers fill in the gaps, once again presenting a formidable defensive squad for opponents come fall.
Defensive Tackle: Brandon Thompson
Probably the guy least deserving of being on this list of ‘players who need to make an impact’, Thompson has quietly led from his position at the heart of the Clemson defense for three years. Jarvis Jenkins and Bowers overshadowed his size and physicality last year although so far this spring he’s been blowing up the interior of the Clemson offensive line.
Thompson was a highly regarded high school recruit and has truly panned out as expected. What the Tigers need from him this fall is for him to take a headline-maker role in the middle. As those who cover Clemson football know well, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele loves to divert questions about defensive performance back to what makes his scheme work: the guys up front.
Thompson is undoubtedly ‘the’ guy up front for the first time in his Clemson career. If he can show better pressure on the quarterback than he has shown previously, he will quickly move from obscurity to a surefire first day pick in the 2012 NFL draft. But that’s all in the future.
Now is his time to show his ability to slow down opposing running games and make crucial stops on short yardage. Games are won with that type of play and for Steele’s scheme to really click, the guys up front must be playing at the highest level.
Linebacker: Corico Hawkins
Hawkins may not be a true playmaking middle linebacker but this fall I’m looking him to be just that. Even if he goes about it in his own way, Hawkins needs to be more than the cerebral leader of the defense. He needs to direct Kevin Steele’s scheme through his actions.
In 2010, Hawkins showed he could pick up Steele’s direction well and guide his teammates affectively. In 2011, he needs to crank it up a notch and lead the new group of linebackers, as well as his co-starters from last year, by slowing down the running game up the middle.
Outside linebackers Quandon Christian and Johnathan ‘Tig’ Willard are considerably faster than Hawkins but where they possess greater speed, they aren’t as consistent as Corico. If Hawkins can show he has the ability to chase down defenders, intercept opposing quarterbacks and more regularly force fumbles, Clemson may not need as much depth at the linebacker position as they have coming in this summer. Instead, Hawkins may be the undisputed leader for another 2 seasons.
Defensive Backs: Xavier Brewer
As the number two cornerback behind Marcus Gilchrist last year, Brewer showed consistency and flashes of his potential. At times, he was the most physical player on defense, going one on one with receivers five to six inches taller and shutting them down, including a game-turning interception of Cam Newton in Auburn.
His great athleticism is complimented by his excellent hip flexibility and ball-tracking skills which are very good for this stage of his development. If Brewer can show the same shutdown strengths he showed during 2010, opposing defenses will be foolish to challenge him.
Brewer's 5’-11” height is of little concern as his leaping ability is as good as any cornerback in the conference. He also is surprisingly physical on the ball for his size, something that will be sorely needed with Clemson’s NFL-attrition of Marcus Gilchrist, DeAndre McDaniel and Byron Maxwell.
Most importantly for Xavier however, may be that he continues to show consistency in coverage and not be the victim of ‘the big play.’ With an overall lack of experience elsewhere in the secondary, this role will be even more vital than it was last year.
