Thursday April 19, 2007

Post Spring Analysis-DE, Bandit, DT, LB

Bandit
Sapp So, Williams Sr, Brown Fr, Branch Fr, Clear Fr

Replacing a top ten draft pick is not an easy thing but Ricky Sapp has the tools to become as good as Gaines Adams in the future. However, Sapp must improve his overall game. It starts with work ethic. Sapp can be as good as he wants to be. He got in the doghouse a little in the matt drills but when spring ball rolled around he turned it back on. Sapp is a terrific pass rusher who will become a complete player when he improves against the run.

Kwam Williams had a great spring and is now a dependable option as a back up at bandit. At one time I thought a true freshman would have to play 10-15 snaps per game but Williams has emerged. At one time depth was a concern here but Williams has settled the issue.

Defensive End
Merling Jr, Cumbie So, Moore Fr, Traylor Fr

Phillip Merling is one of the toughest players in this program. He plays hard and practices hard. Merling is one of the players coaches are depending on to be a leader in 2007. He is solid against the run and is a good pass rusher.

Jamie Cumbie played well in his true freshman season but his body looks completely different this spring. He has added strength and size. Last season he was forced into action and held his own but this year he can begin to assert himself. I think he has a bright future.

Defensive Tackle
Jackson Jr, Scott Jr, McKissic Jr, Murchison So, Gabriel So, Chavis Fr, Jenkins Fr

Rashaad Jackson works extremely hard on the field, in the weight room and in the class room. Jackson is a rarity in that he excels against the run but is athletic enough to rush the passer as an interior lineman. He is a high energy player who I have a tremendous amount of respect for.

Dorell Scott is a powerful run stopper that had a good spring. Scott turned his career around after his red-shirt season. He is now considered a very good tackle and could work his way into NFL draft conversations this season.

Jock McKissic is another of the top big-body athletes on this team. Like Jackson, he can rush the passer from his interior position. McKissic is a hybrid of Jackson and Scott in my opinion. This trio gives the Tigers a defensive line that looks a lot it did back in the glory days of Clemson football.

Antwon Murchison had a quiet spring but coaches still think he has a good chance to continue to improve. His playing time will increase this season and this defensive needs his snaps.

Elsmore Gabriel has some limitations and Jarvis Jenkins may be counted on here if he is ready. I can see Rennie Moore or Miguel Chavis grow into a defensive tackle also.

Mike
Clay Jr, Vincent Jr, Alexander So, Maye Fr

With Antonio Clay out for the spring, Cortney Vincent benefited from extra time. He lacks some things but Vincent is one of the true vocal leaders on this defense. His teammates respect him because he gets the most out of his talent.

Kevin Alexander is a future star here. He had a great freshman season in the weight room and looks like he is ready to compete for more playing time. He may be the best looking linebacker on campus.

The staff has no idea what to expect from Clay when he returns. He could return healed and hungry but also may be out of sync. I think a healthy, happy Clay would be big for this team.

Will
Watkins Sr, Conner So, Miller Jr

Nick Watkins can be a leader in 2007 but he still needs to take care of all of his academic work before the season. Watkins plays in coverage better than any linebacker on campus and knows his assignments. If Clay, Watkins and Billie are healthy and return in good shape this linebacking corps could be very productive.

Kavell Conner had perhaps the best spring of any linebacker for the Tigers. He had some very good scrimmages and at times was dominant. The coaches love his tenacity and think he can become a special player. Conner knows how to play in space and runs very well. Look for bigger things from Conner next season.

Josh Miller still has not red-shirted but could have used one before now. He is a great kid that is still trying to get comfortable at linebacker. I think he will find a way to emerge and get more snaps in 2007.

Sam
Billie Sr, Campbell So, Hunter Fr

Tramaine Billie gave coaches a glimpse of what he could achieve last fall before his injury. They now want to make sure he will be there in the fall to lead this group. If Billie plays like he did last August this group will be very good. If he plays like he did as a junior at times then Campbell and others will get a longer look.

Jeremy Campbell is a very bright player that knows his assignments. Sometimes his intelligence almost hinders his progress because often he is so sound and coaches might like to see him play with a little more reckless abandon. Campbell can play but some feel Stanley Hunter will get a long look in August also.

Tomorrow I will have the Friday E-mail blog and Monday I will review the young, talented secondary and special teams. I will also look at schemes a little early next week.

Orange and Maroon Effect
One final note, tomorrow is usually Orange Friday for Clemson fans but please add a little maroon to your orange tomorrow in honor of the Virginia Tech family.

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