Surprises


by - Radio Host -

Surprises

Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Sr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA

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has recently gotten some attention for not playing up to expectations that many have had for him. Even his coach Chad MorrisChad Morris
Offensive Coordinator / QBs
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said something about his performances the past two games. Its not as if he has played bad but the expectations are so high for him.

However, there are several players who are playing at a higher level than many expected through three games this season.

Stephone AnthonyStephone Anthony
Jr. Linebacker
#42 6-2, 235
Polkton, NC

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Anthony came to Clemson as a five-star recruit and could have gone anywhere in America. In his first two seasons he did not have great years but his campaign has been a breakout year for Anthony. Through three games Anthony leads the Tigers with 37 tackles. He also has four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He would have had more if he would have played more than 37 snaps against South Carolina State. Against Georgia, Anthony had 13 tackles in 71 plays. Last week against NC State, he had 16 tackles in 72 plays. Anthony is more active and looks like he is playing faster this season.

Interior OL

Ryan NortonRyan Norton
RS So. Offensive Line
#58 6-3, 270
Simpsonville, SC

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was the ACC offensive lineman of the week in the Georgia game and Tylerr Shatley received praise from Chad Morris yesterday for his efforts against NC State. The staff also likes how David BeasleyDavid Beasley
RS Jr. Offensive Guard
#68 6-4, 315
Columbus, GA

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has performed and Morris praised Kalon DavisKalon Davis
RS Jr. Offensive Guard
#67 6-5, 330
Chester, SC

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for his game against NC State. Clemson's interior offensive line does not get a lot of attention, but so far they have played well in this 3-0 start.

Germone HopperGermone Hopper
RS Fr. Wide Receiver
#5 6-0, 170
Charlotte, NC

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Hopper was a highly recruited player that red-shirted last year. This season he is the second leading receiver with 10 catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns three games into the year. Morris also says he liked the way Hopper has blocked and wished several wide outs would take notice.

The Tight Ends

There were major concerns at tight end coming into the season. This unit lost another star performer again this past season when Brandon FordBrandon Ford
Tight End
#80 6-4, 240
Wando, SC

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graduated, Sam CooperSam Cooper
RS Jr. Tight End
#86 6-5, 250
Brentwood, TN

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tore his ACL in the spring game and the rest of the group was very inexperienced. However, this group has been a pleasant surprise. Stanton Sekinger scored the game-winning touchdown against Georgia. Cooper has come back from the ACL miraculously and scored a crucial touchdown against NC State. Jay Jay McCulloughJay Jay McCullough
RS Fr. Tight End
#89 6-3, 230
Fort Mill, SC

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had three catches against SC State including a nice one-hand grab. Jordan LeggettJordan Leggett
Fr. Tight End
#16 6-6, 235
Navarre, FL

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has been banged up but had a catch in week two and Darrell SmithDarrell Smith
Gr. Fullback
#40 6-1, 250
Gadsden, AL

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has been invaluable as a blocker. Add Patrick DeStefanoPatrick DeStefano
RS Fr. Offensive Line
#71 6-5, 275
Spartanburg, SC

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to the list when the offensive line loaned him to the tight ends for a game against Georgia.

Bradley PinionBradley Pinion
So. Punter
#92 6-5, 230
Concord, NC

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Pinion was a little banged up against NC State but he has been a weapon so far this season. His punting and kickoffs have been a big reason the starting field position for the opposing offenses have been such an advantage to the Tigers. Pinion has been a big part of the first three wins.

Spencer ShueySpencer Shuey
Gr. Linebacker
#33 6-3, 230
Charlotte, NC

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The senior picked up right where he left off last season. Shuey is second on the team with 35 tackles and tied for first with 20 first hits. He had 18 tackles in 60 plays against Georgia and 12 tackles in 69 plays at NC State.

Vic BeasleyVic Beasley
RS Jr. Defensive End
#3 6-3, 225
Adairsville, GA

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This passing rushing specialist is off to a great start in terms on sacks. Beasley is among the nation's leaders with five sacks in three games. He only has eight tackles on the season but five have been sacks. His pressure played a big role in the two FBS wins this season including his sack and forced fumble that helped turn the NC State game Thursday night.

Shaq LawsonShaq Lawson
Fr. Defensive End
#90 6-4, 260
Central, SC

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The true freshman made a big impression on the staff in the spring but I am not sure anyone saw Lawson contributing big plays this early. In only 71 plays this season Lawson has 11 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and a sack. His penetration was a key to the nice defensive effort against the Wolfpack.

The Cornerbacks

Clemson came into the season with a lot of questions about the secondary and still some remain concerning the safeties, but the corners have played very well in the past two games. Martin JenkinsMartin Jenkins
RS Jr. Cornerback
#14 5-10, 180
Roswell, GA

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and Darius RobinsonDarius Robinson
Cornerback
#8 5-10, 175
College Park, GA

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have pick sixes this season. Bashaud BreelandBashaud Breeland
RS Jr. Cornerback
#17 6-0, 195
Allendale, SC

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ended the game Thursday with a pick but made a bigger impact with his six tackles and two PBUs. Garry PetersGarry Peters
RS Jr. Cornerback
#26 6-0, 195
Conyers, GA

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is tied for the team lead with three PBUs. The corners have played much better in the last two victories.

Defensive Tackles

I think most anticipated an improved effort from the entire front seven but the defensive tackle unit has been dynamite. Grady JarrettGrady Jarrett
Jr. Defensive Tackle
#50 6-1, 290
Conyers, GA

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has 20 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack and six quarterback hurries. Carlos WatkinsCarlos Watkins
So. Defensive Tackle
#94 6-3, 300
Mooresboro, NC

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has a start and has 11 tackles. Josh WatsonJosh Watson
RS Jr. Defensive Tackle
#91 6-4, 285
Wilmington, DE

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has a start and has nine tackles. DeShawn WilliamsDeShawn Williams
Jr. Defensive Tackle
#99 6-1, 285
Central, SC

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has a start and has eight tackles.

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Prayer List

We have started a prayer list on the blog. Here are the guidelines:

If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance. The blog is free and the prayer list will be on the bottom of the page so you don’t have to read it.

If you would like to add someone to the list please email me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com

*Please let me know when it is appropriate to take the person off of the prayer list.

Those who need our prayers include: Finn Brookover, Jo Ann Bachman, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard, Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Daniel Rosborough, The Huffman family, Nancy Winkler, John Reeve, Vinnie Brock, Kaitlyn L, Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs,Perrin Seigler, Candee Massee, Lindsey Jordan, Sam Catoe, Tyler Felch, the Nicolopulos family, "the Jacksonville, FL guys", Kim Sims, the Coyle family, Ryleigh Tedder, Steve Lee, Kelly Trakas, Jimmy Moore, the Thomas. V Family, Emary Claire Young, Kitty Bowers,Julie Locke, the Scheider family, Lauren Kittles' family, Frank Gentry, Joyce Bussey, Stacey McKeown, Dale Childs, Larry Lentz, Jr, Carl Sharperson, Scott Hannon, William Perry, Tyler Swaney, Lillian, Mark Feit, David Frame, Chad Berry, the family of Matthew M. Watson, the Dowis family, Shervin Messer, Alan Putnam, the Olivers, Lee Tate, Ronnie Abrams, Eddie Greene, the Jackson family, Bill Vader, Jim Taylor, Tina DeWitt, Rock Horne, Christopher Tuten, Bobby Wayne Thomas, Emma and Danielle Carothers, Robert Ditty, Mr. and Mrs. Murray Smith, Dot Cartee, Ayden Mills, Millie Heatley, Lynn Martin and family, Michael Pinson, Jake David family, Angie Crowley, Ira, Mike Tolson, Poly Wells, Dr. Muriel Bishop, Jack Cunningham, Emily Jefford Meister, Zachary Stoller, Aaron Clackum, Pat James, Cortney Moore, William Moore, Angelia and Savannah Anderson, William Ross, Meredith Legg, Scott Johns, Frank Carroll, Brandon ThompsonBrandon Thompson
Defensive Tackle
#98 6-2, 310
Thomasville, GA

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, Alvin Sammons, Georgine McAlhaney, Glen Davis, Mike Price, Clay Childers, Aaron Knight, Danielle Johnston and family, Nicholas Abrams, Lana Kuykendall, Gary, Gary G., William Huggins, Jim Bennett, Chantz Fowler, Ethel McElveen, Michele Gurganus, William Gentry, Lewis Usher and Tanya Sanders, Shon Cooper, Nick Collins, Amanda Peake, Danny Hammond, Chip Turner, Nick Collins, Allen Steen, The Sturkey Family, the Lance family, Nick Chrisley's family, Allison Williams, Lt. Kyle Walker, Summer and Joel Johnson, Nicole O'Donnell, James O. Johnson, Joy Pruett and family, Bill Schmidt, Jack Bailey, Gardner Family, Charles Turner, Kathy Bartholomew, Ray Sanders, David and Robin Blocker, J.R. Ray, Kenneth Kowe, Lauren Sielicki, Doug Bailey and family, Jenna Phipps, Mark Lawrence, Harlan Sullins, Peter Laboy, Kat and Carlisle Jones, Elizabeth Galloway and family, Anita McDonald, Willard Harryman, Liz Surratt, Molly Senn, Jackie Shearer, Richard Sellers, Tim Drisdelle, Edward Easterling, Dawson Bourne, Susan and Mike Brown, Julie Goodman Marshall, Willard and Dorothy Harryman, Justin Jernigan, Jack Cunningham, Mia Daughtery, Tee Senn, Jim Lanier, our great country and the men and women in uniform that protect and serve it every day plus their families.

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