Ask TCI
By: rmacrae@bellsouth.net February 8, 2013

Time for the latest edition of Ask TCI.  Each week we will take questions on the message board The Rock.

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 – How are Blossomgame and Coleman doing with injuries?

TCI – Both are going to be 100 percent for offseason workouts.  They have been out doing shoot arounds before several of the recent home games and look to be in good shape.

They sure would be a big lift to the team this year.  Too bad they both had to be unable to play.

Question – The Peach Bowl gameplan was to have Sammy uber-involved. Going forward into 2014, will that be the case for every game? And I’m sure that gameplan changes some with Nuk gone, but how much?

TCI – Sammy will be a major focus of the offense in 2013 for sure.  The staff will have to be careful not to concentrate too much on getting Sammy involved.  As you saw this year at times it appeared the team played better when they spread the ball around.  

Question – Who do you think starts the season as our Sunday guy?

TCI – Going into the season it looks like Gossett will be the ace.  Until Pohle gets back healthy you will likely see true freshman Crownover, Firth and possibly Meyer get the weekend starts.

Once Pohle is ready to go that certainly could change.  The staff hopes to have the rotation figured out by the third week of the season when they play the series with South Carolina.

Question – Who will step up to replace, Shaffer and Pohl’s production on this year’s team?

TCI – That’s a great question.  Wilkerson will hopefully have another outstanding season at the plate.  Jon McGibbon and transfer Shane Kennedy will be looked at to provide some early season power.  True freshman Tyler Krieger who will likely play short is another one to watch at the plate.

Question – Since 2013 class is wrapping up,and since you asked the question to us about 2014 recruits.I now ask you who is your EARLY 2014 top 5 prospects you would like Clemson to sign without naming the committed players already?

TCI – Well my list would start with Demarre Kitt and Trevion Thompson at receiver.  Raekwon McMillan, the nation’s top linebacker, would have to make the top five.  Andrew Brown, the nation’s top defensive tackle, would make the list.  5-star defensive end Lorenzo Carter would complete my top five.

Question – Do we see Clemson doing a national Heisman campaign for boyd like they did for spiller his senior season…. And will it be implemented earlier than spillers was or seemed ?

 TCI – I don’t think you will see Clemson with a big public campaign.  The didn’t seem to believe that was a good idea for C.J. and doubt it has changed.  I do think they will do something for the media like they did at the ACC Kickoff that season with the C.J. life size posters.

Question – With so much shuffling in the defensive backfield this past year, what positions do the returners and freshman play?

TCI – With the Tiger’s signing seven defensive backs you can expect several of them to make an impact in 2013.   The timing of when they takeover spots on the two-deep is always the big question.  We believe Alexander will certainly take one of the starting positions at corner.  The other corner will likely be Breeland.  Several other freshmen like Tankersley will see some playing time at corner.

At safety Blanks will be one of the starters.  Kearse and Wiggins will battle for the other starting role.  There has been some discussion of using Kearse initially in the hybrid role like they did with Blanks last year.  Wiggins coult also play that role.  One of them will likely see a lot of time at hybrid and one may start at some point next season at safety.

Baker will be an outstanding corner at some point.  He is a great athlete, but a little raw.  Carter will play safety for the Tigers and we would expect a red-shirt.  Edmond could play either safety or corner.

Question – Could Spencer Adams ever come back to football?

TCI – He certainly could, but don’t think you will see that happen.  He is one of the best in the nation at the hurdles.  More likely you will see Adams in the Olympics one day.

Question – Give me the names of a couple players who we should watch in spring practice? Someone with talent but maybe didn’t get much PT last year.

TCI – We mentioned some of that today in a thread in The Rock.  Zac Brooks will be one to watch. We expect him to make a push for significant playing time now that he has a year in the system.

Shaq Lawson and Ebo are two to watch.  Both freshmen have incredible athletic ability.  They will both battle to provide quality depth at defensive end.

The battles for all three starting linebacker spots will also be run to watch.  Kellen Jones will now be eligible and is as good as any linebacker on campus.  We will have to see where the staff decides to moves some of the linebackers to get the best three on the field.  The competition will be fierce with all the talent available.  And just wait until Boulware and O’Daniel get adding to the mix in August.