The 2014 season is underway as the Tigers make a push for another championship.
Each week TCI will look at the players moving up and those that are moving down in the Up Downs feature. Which players are elevating their game and their position on the depth chart?
Up
C.J. Davidson – C.J. was the most impressive back Saturday against Georgia. It was clear from his performance and that of Howard that Davidson deserves to be the starter at running back at this time. We won’t know if the coaches agree for a few days, but it was pretty clear that he was the best back on the field for Clemson.
DeShaun Watson – Playing in his first game in a very hostile environment the DeShaun Watson showed that he could handle the moment. His first touchdown drive was a thing of beauty. Watson went 2-4 on the afternoon, but had 59 yards on his two compared to only 130 yards for Cole’s 15 completions. Dabo and coach Morris made it clear that Cole remains the starter, as he should right now, but Watson’s play certainly earned him more opportunities over the next few weeks to show what he can do.
Artavis Scott – Artavis Scott had the best catch of the night, one he said today was one of the best of his life. Scott played with confidence when given his opportunities. Expect Scott to get more and more targets as the season progresses. With the offense searching for playmakers they don’t have to look further than No. 3.
Kalon Davis – Kalon Davis proved the praise from camps was justified with a solid performance on the field. His play was so good that it earned him offensive player of the game. With David Beasley back this week and Davis performing so well the Tigers will now have two very talented offensive guards.
Robert Smith – Smith was a warrior against Georgia. Although he got his bell rung on a play where he had his hand on a possible interception he was all over the field all night long. The quarterback of the secondary showed the coaches offseason praise was justified. The former quarterback has finally found his home at safety.
Downs
DJ Howard – Saturday night was Howard’s chance to lead the offense as the starter at running back. Simply put he did not get the job done. CJ Davidson was clearly the best running back on the field for the Tigers Saturday night. Howard did a good job of helping in pass protection most of the night, but that won’t be enough to hold off the other backs for long.
Sam Cooper– Make no mistake Sam Cooper’s injury in warm-ups impacted the game. The staff had to move McCullough to the blocking TE position for the night. Cooper is expected to be back in a few weeks. McCullough played well according to the staff and has earned more playing time.
Jordan Leggett – Leggett is the “doghouse” after the Georgia game. The staff was not happy with his focus or execution on several plays. Leggett has the potential to be a great weapon for the offense, but he will have to regain the confidence of the staff.