2008 Clemson Tigers Preview

Clemson is running out of slogans. Two summers ago, the Tigers had the phrase “Run to One” emblazoned on T-shirts the team wore during workouts. Last year, the mantra was “Finish the Job.” Both credos were a reference to how close the Tigers came to an Atlantic Division title in 2005 and 2006, but they ended up falling agonizingly short again last season when it seemed the road to Jacksonville was paved orange. A 20–17 home defeat to Boston College in the final conference game denied Clemson a spot in the championship game and a chance to play for its first ACC title since 1991.

Two Minute Drill

A Quick Look at the Tigers

A total of 89 yards. That’s the combined rushing output — including lost yardage for sacks — for Clemson last year in regular-season games against Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Boston College. The Tigers lost all three, highlighting the difference between a great team and a good one. Against physical defenses, Clemson’s offensive line was simply not good enough to move people off the ball and open holes for star tailbacks James Davis and C.J. Spiller. The Tigers will be considered the favorite by many to win their first Atlantic Division title, and justifiably so. But if they don’t improve on the offensive line, they might have a hard time playing for their first ACC championship in 17 years. Clemson also must protect quarterback Cullen Harper, who was sacked 35 times last year. Thirteen of those sacks came in the three ACC losses. The defense should be OK, but creative offensive coordinators will no doubt try to exploit the lack of linebacker experience by running misdirection, play-action and screen passes. Tommy Bowden put assistant Andre’ Powell in charge of special teams, and for good reason. The Tigers must shore up their kickoff coverage and punt protection if they want to do special things this year. This is a team that is talented enough to finish 11–1, but inexperienced enough to finish 7–5. A good bet is somewhere in between.

Heading into Tommy Bowden’s 10th season with the Tigers, “No Excuses” might be an apt motto. With every important offensive skill player returning from last season, plus a boatload of talent on defense, there’s plenty of reason to think this team should be in Tampa for the fourth annual ACC Championship Game on Dec. 6.

“The combination of players coming back, I’ve never had,” says Bowden.

Bowden and his assistants also have newfound job security. Even though the 2007 season represented the same old story of the Tigers falling short, Bowden parlayed a serious flirtation with Arkansas into a contract extension, a raise, and a buyout of $4 million. The flip side of the new deal is a heightened demand from fans to win big — and now. The faithful have doled out large sums of money for sparkling new facilities that have helped make Clemson a player in recruiting. And they’re more than ready to see a return on that investment. Anything less than a division title would be a disappointment.

Quarterbacks

Cullen Harper threw for 27 touchdown passes (a school record), totaled 2,991 yards through the air (second-best season in school history), and ranked 22nd nationally in pass efficiency after completing 65.1 percent of his throws. Not bad for a kid who was supposed to spend his final two years signaling in plays from the sideline. Harper laid waste to preseason projections that heralded freshman Willy Korn would quickly ascend to the starting role. After impatiently watching Will Proctor flounder late in 2006 as Clemson lost four of its last five games to ruin a 7–1 start, Harper flourished last season and has his mind set on even better things in his final season. Harper has gained velocity after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his throwing shoulder. He’s become more vocal in the huddle and meeting room, stepping outside of his soft-spoken shell to become a better leader. Korn, who received a redshirt after suffering a shoulder injury early in 2007, is a capable replacement if Harper goes down with an injury.

Running backs

Clemson fans rejoiced when James Davis decided to return for his senior season on the day of the deadline for underclassmen to change their minds. The Tigers still had C.J. Spiller returning, and plenty of teams would kill for his moves and breakaway speed. But Davis, who’s second in school history in rushing yards (3,130) and career touchdowns (38), is more dependable running between the tackles for tough yards and getting 20 to 25 carries a game. Spiller worked hard in the offseason to become a better straight-ahead runner while also improving his pass blocking. The Tigers also added a physical backfield presence with the February signing of Jamie Harper, a bruising tailback from Florida who spurned his home-state schools for the Tigers.

Receivers

Aaron Kelly pulled a reversal of his own, deciding to turn pro before changing his mind after a heart-to-heart with his mother. His return is crucial because it gives Harper a big target (6'5") and sure hands on sideline routes. Kelly caught 88 balls for 1,081 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. Senior Tyler Grisham has become a dependable wideout and is among the more underrated receivers in the conference. He had 60 catches last season, and nine went for 20 yards or more. Junior Jacoby Ford is back and healthy after missing the final five games with a broken ankle. Clemson’s offense becomes much more of a threat with this speedster on the field. Injuries marred the first three seasons of Rendrick Taylor, who dabbled at linebacker and tailback during the spring. Odds are he ends up back at receiver for his final year. Bowden has said incoming freshman Marquan Jones, who enrolled in January and participated in spring practice, will avoid a redshirt as a freshman.

Offensive linemen

The Tigers, who are losing three full-time offensive line starters, have plenty of young talent up front, but what’s uncertain is how long it’ll take to develop. Replacing Barry Richardson at left tackle is a tall order, but junior Cory Lambert is capable of doing it if he plays with more of an edge. Right tackle Chris Hairston is deemed a future star, and the center position is solid with the return of junior Thomas Austin. The greatest concern is at the two guard spots. Redshirt freshman David Smith is the heir apparent to Chris McDuffie on the left, and junior Barry Humphries started two games at right guard late last season. Redshirt freshman Mason Cloy figures to get plenty of playing time at one of the inside positions and could present a serious challenge to Humphries.

Defensive linemen

The front four is in good shape despite the loss of end Phillip Merling, who left for the NFL after his junior year. The strength is in the interior, where senior Dorell Scott is primed for a big year after coming on late last season. Junior Ricky Sapp is ready to showcase himself at the “bandit” end position. He can be a terror of a pass rusher but still needs to get better against the run. Junior Kevin Alexander was penciled in at Merling’s vacated spot, but he’s got a talented freshman pushing for playing time. Da’Quan Bowers, the five-star jewel of the Tigers’ recruiting class, enrolled in January and made a strong impression during spring practice. It’s a matter of time before he takes the starting role.

Linebackers

Inexperience and uncertainty surrounded this group as the Tigers broke for summer. Already gone were starters Nick Watkins and Tramaine Billie, who combined for 65 career starts and 639 tackles. And the status of seniors Cortney Vincent and Antonio Clay went from uncertain to absent. Vincent was arrested for DUI in December, then he was booted for spring practice for another misstep after an unspecified violation of team policy, before finally being dismissed from the team. For the second year in a row, Clay went home for the spring semester to deal with personal issues stemming from the September 2006 death of his sister in a car accident. No one knows when — or if — he’ll return; although the plan is for Clay to redshirt 2008 and return to the field in 2009. There’s plenty of talent available, most of it young. Redshirt freshman Brandon Maye stood out at middle linebacker during the spring. Sophomore Scotty Cooper is a budding star at strong-side linebacker, and Kavell Conner appears ready to take over for Watkins on the other side.

Defensive backs

Clemson might have the best starting four defensive backs in the ACC. Seniors Michael Hamlin and Chris Clemons are rock-solid at the safety positions; Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler form an underrated corner tandem. The only issue with this group is safety depth. If Hamlin or Clemons were to go down, fourth-year defensive coordinator Vic Koenning would likely be in scramble mode beyond sophomore DeAndre McDaniel.

Specialists

Mark Buchholz made only 61.1 percent of his kicks last season, struggling with long distances and attempts from the hash marks. Improvement is a must if the Tigers hope to win close games. Former walk-on Jimmy Maners had a solid year at punter but will be challenged by Richard Jackson.

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