Time for the latest edition of Ask TCI. Each week we will take questions on the message board The Rock. We will take questions up until midnight on Tuesday.
Each weekend we will run our Ask TCI feature with answers to some of the questions asked by the Clemson Insiders. Make sure to get your questions in next week.
Question – Coach Venables said that the issues on D are not talent related. Is this coach speak, or does he truly feel that this group of players can develop into a solid defense?
TCI –In my opinion that is coach speak. There is obviously talent issues on the defense. You have three seniors at safety that still aren’t getting it done. One the defensive line there are talent issues. Now on the line some of the younger talent may develop as they get more experience.
Question – Do you still feel Clemson will not lose a home game this year Robert?
TCI – Absolutely. The defense always plays better at home with the crowd in Death Valley. With Clemson’s offense they should be able to run the table at home. South Carolina, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech will all make the Tigers play their A games to win, but that is what I expect.
Question – With all of the criticism our secondary has received, what are you hearing about the development of Cortez Davis and Robert Smith? Are those guys progressing or do they seem like projects?
TCI – They still have some work to do. Dabo said again this week that the younger guys in the secondary are not coming along like they thought. Blanks will be the first move you see in the secondary we believe.
Question – I think I have more answers than questions right now. But here is a question: are we going to land a lock-down corner this period? And a heat seeking safety?
TCI – Jayron Kearse could be a very good one at safety. Tankersley will be a good corner or safety for the Tigers as well. Also Jadar Johnson is very underrated in my opinion. If you question is are the Tigers going to land a 5-star defensive back in this class the answer is no, but they will have some better options next year for sure.
Question – I think I have more answers than questions right now. But here is a question: are we going to land a lock-down corner this period? And a heat seeking safety?
Right now Cortez is simply behind some players in the depth chart with much more experience. Based on what we have heard from the staff Cortez has some physical skills, but just needs to learn the system better and get some experience.
Question – Do you believe recruiting JUCO players will help?
TCI – No, I am not a big fan of JUCO’s for football. For baseball they can certainly work better. With the way Clemson is recruiting right now JUCO’s are not the answer. They are a huge gamble.
Question – What’s the latest with Elijah Daniel and Tyrone Crowder? I know Elijah is taking visits, and in the press conference it was implied by Dabo that we may not take another OL this class, but would Crowder be the exception?
TCI – Elijah is going to take a few visits it sounds like but no need to worry about the trips to Marshall as his brother plays there. If he does indeed visit Florida that is more of a concern. When Clemson gets him back on campus they should be able to firm things back up.
Clemson is still in the lead pack with Crowder. They need to get him in the Valley so he can see the big game day atmosphere in the Valley this year. It will likely come down to official visits for Crowder.
Question – What is your feeling about Deandre Hopkins going pro after this season? Will he stay or will he go
TCI – One word will answer this question, gone.