Tuesday July 31, 2007

Clemson's Defensive Line

Clemson Defensive Line
The debate as to which is the most important unit in college football is an interesting one. I can make an argument that the quarterback is the single most important position and you might have a hard time winning without a big-time signal caller.

I can buy the argument that the games are won by big-time play makers and it is the skill position guys that can be the difference in winning and losing.

I can also understand that the game is won in the trenches and an offensive line can be dominant.

But if you look at a single unit, I think the defensive line might be the most important. The nation’s premier programs are the ones that can stockpile talent on its defensive front and that has been the case for some time now. The great Miami teams were perhaps the best example of what size, speed and athleticism can bring to a defense.

Clemson fans can look back at its best teams and most featured a dominating front line on the defense. The names like Bryant, Durham, Stuckey, Devane, Perry, Perry, Brown, Benish, Berlin, Chavious, McCullough, Bodine, Pryce and many others have gone a long way to make this program what it is today.

In my opinion, the 2007 defensive line can go down as another very strong group of athletes that have a good mix of experience and youth.

Defensive End
Phillip Merling is the key to the defensive line in my opinion. This is a hard-working defender who practices extremely hard. Merling has turned into the emotional leader of the defense after Anthony Waters departed. He is the vocal leader who has kept an eye on his teammates on the field and in the weight room. He is a talent upgrade from Charles Bennett who he replaced last season. Merling is solid against the run and is more athletic than Bennett. For a strong side defensive end -type body he is a terrific pass rusher.

Like Rickey Sapp, Jamie Cumbie has also utilized his freshman season by getting bigger and stronger. He is a massive defensive end that should back up Merling this season. If Merling has a good junior season he could bolt to the NFL so Cumbie needs to have a big season in order to get ahead of the guys competing for the starting job as early as next season.

Rennie Moore is a bigger defensive end prospect that turned down some national powers to attend Clemson. Moore missed most of his junior season with an injury but is ready to compete for playing time this season. If pressed Moore might be able to avoid a red-shirt but I believe he could benefit from one if possible.

Byron Clear and Drew Traylor need to red-shirt this season to give them a chance to improve their strength to give them a better chance to compete in the spring. Clear may be more of a Bandit in his career.

Bandit
Rickey Sapp is a tremendous talent. He was productive as a pass rusher as a freshman but has since added size and strength that he greatly needed. Sapp should be a much more sound this season. Some worry about his consistency and his work ethic but the natural ability is all there.

Kwam Williams came out of the spring as the starter at Bandit due in part his hard work and Sapp being in the doghouse. Sapp has had a better summer so Williams should not get as many snaps as some expected. The senior still should be in the plans for the fall.

Kourtnei Brown is an intriguing prospect that could avoid a red-shirt this season. This is a high character kid that will work extremely hard in order to fulfill his potential. Brown has a big frame and runs very well. I think he is a future star in this system.

Andre Branch is an athletic pass rusher who also could use a red-shirt this year if the staff can afford to do it.

Defensive Tackle
Rashaad Jackson is a great story. The Union, SC native has done an unbelievable job in the class room and study hall and now is a two-time honor roll student. Jackson is a high-energy player that is rare in that he is athletic enough to be a terrific pass rusher from his interior line position. He is the most athletic defensive tackle on campus and another key to this defense.

Dorell Scott has made tremendous strides since leaving school as a freshman. His transformation now has him in good shape from an NFL standpoint also. This huge defensive tackle is excellent against the run as he has become one of the strongest players at Clemson.

Jock McKissic is another talented, experienced interior defensive tackle. He showcased his athleticism with his fantastic touchdown against South Carolina last season. Like Jackson and Scott, McKissic is another NFL-type talent if he continues to develop.

Antuan Murchison came to Clemson as a big defensive end but has outgrown that position. The North Carolina native has a chance for more playing time especially since Etta Etta-Tawo is not returning to football. The Tigers needs a fourth tackle to step up and Murchison may be the guy.

If Murchison cannot grab the fourth tackle spot Miguel Chavis might. I fully expect Chavis to avoid a red-shirt season. He is physically ready to play and could provide Chris Rumph with another very athletic defensive tackle.

Elsmore Gabriel is a guy that can play defensive end or tackle but I think he has a better chance at tackle. His is not as athletic as some of the younger defensive ends the Tigers have recruited since he signed.

Jarvis Jenkins is a true freshman interior lineman that is a terrific athlete for his size. I would think it would be a difficult transition for Jenkins from a conditioning standpoint this season but he will definitely be in the plans in the spring.

The Class of 2008
The staff has gotten off to a great start in recruiting especially along the defensive line. Defensive ends DaQuan Bowers and Jarrett Crittenton are special and A.J. Harmon is among the nation’s best at his position. The Tigers would love to add Brandon Thompson to that list of impressive defenders in this class and then they might be done at this position with those four highly rated prospects.

In summary this is a deep and talented group of defensive linemen and in a couple of years several of these Tigers may be playing on Sundays. In 2007, I would consider this unit the strength of the defense.

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