Ask TCI
By: rmacrae@bellsouth.net September 5, 2014

It is 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:  What is Gallman missing? His interview this week sounds like he is ready, but is holding back his thoughts.

TCI:  First, Wayne is a great young man.  He did a diary with TCI for over a year and those that read his diaries know he is a class act.

Wayne is just waiting his opportunity to show he can get it done in game situations.  He will get more snaps this week and have a chance to show what he can do.  The key to earning more playing time will be producing on a consistent basis and not having missed assignments.

Question: Why, in your opinion, are elite running backs literally lining up to go play for UGA to split playing time with 3 or 4 others instead of opting for Clemson, where any one of them would be the feature back? 

TCI:  Georgia is a great school and has a great history of running backs that have done well in college and the NFL.  That history certainly helps as does their location.  Clemson was very close as most know with both Marshall and Gurley but they went with the Dawgs.  Clemson will have a great  back when they get a commitment from Tavien Feaster.  

Question:  Would you hesitate to continue to play Watson if he was the “hot hand” or do you feel more comfortable with Stoudt because of his experience? 

TCI:  Absolutely not.  Clemson should play the best player and the one that gives them the best chance of winning.  Right now Cole’s experience gives him an advantage even though DeShaun can do some things that he can’t.  As DeShaun gains experience of the next few weeks that gap will decrease.  Watson will be given the reigns if Stoudt can’t get it done over the next few games.  Stoudt and Watson should both get significant playing time against SC State.

Question – Are there any plans to get Adam Choice some reps against SC State?

TCI – Yes, the staff said this week they expect Choice to see the field this week.

Questions – What are the areas of the game that Choice and Gallman need to work on most to see more playing time?

TCI – The biggest area of the game for all running backs that dictates when they can see the  field for significant snaps is their ability to block when needed in the passing game.  If all things are equal the staff will go with the back that they feel comfortable can make the blocks and protect the quarterback when needed.  Both Choice and Gallman will be given opportunities this week to show what they can do with the ball in their hands and with pass blocking.

Question – Has Chad Morris stopped to think about whether the plays he called in the second half of the Georgia game make him part of the problem or part of the solution?

TCI – Chad admitted this week that he probably got too conservative in the second half against Georgia.  He explained his thinking on why he was conservative.  Morris is one of the top offensive minds in the nation, but he does have a tendency to get conservative in big games at times.

Question – Who , in your opinion, will be freshman of the year for Clemson?

TCI – If Watson becomes the starter at some point it will likely be DeShaun.  If not it will be Artavis Scott.  We have been singing the praises of Scott ever since Clemson started recruiting him and we saw him at the Dabo Swinney Camp.  He was a 5-star receiver in my book.

Question -What was your season prediction before Georgia? After?

Robert – My season prediction before the Georgia game was that Clemson would go 10-2 with losses at Georgia and at Florida State.  Following the loss my prediction remains the same.  After the Florida State game the Tigers should run the table.

Question -I saw a few former players as GA’s on the sideline Saturday. How much are they involved in the game planning i.e SPECIAL TEAMS?

 TCI – GA’s are more involved in scouting opponents than game planning.  Clemson has a great tradition right now of bringing back former players for some of those positions.  It is a great move by the staff.  Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.
Question – I noticed that a lot of players we were recruiting last year have gotten pretty good playing time at the schools they signed with. Do you think the perception is that we don’t play Freshman?

TCI – No that isn’t the perception at all.  Artavis Scott, DeShaun Watson and Demarre Kitt all got playing time in their very first game on the road against a top ten SEC opponent.  Dabo has proven over the years that if you are good enough and the depth chart allows he will play true freshmen.  The Tigers have more depth right now based on the past few recruiting classes so they are able to redshirt more of the players than they have in the past.  That is a very good sign for the development of the program.