Ask TCI
By: rmacrae@bellsouth.net June 28, 2015

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’s your gut on Tre Lamar?

TCI:  The Tigers are certainly very much in the mix for Lamar.  They have been one of his favorities since the beginning and that hasn’t changed.

Question: Should we expect to see a lot of Schuessler – or whoever the coaches need to test as backup QB – in the first two games, maybe even being given most of or all of the 4Q?

TCI:  Schuessler came out of the spring as the clear No. 2.  One thing we know for sure if that Nick won’t redshirt this year.  He will definitely play a good bit in those first two games to get some game snaps.  Hopefully the games will pretty much be over by the half so he can play a good bit in the second half.

A bigger question may be which of the freshmen play in the first two games.  If the decision is made coming out of camp to definitely play one of them this season then you can expect that player to see some time in the first two games as well.  Kelly Bryant would be the most likely at this time, but camp will be critical.

Question: Where is Deshaun at in his recovery and when is he expected to be cut loose?TCI:  Watson’s recovery has gone well.  As Dabo has said many times he is a freak of nature when it comes to recovery.  Watson has been participating in the summer drills and should be good to go for camp in August from what we have  been told.

Question – How likely are we to still take as many as 4 OL for 2016? Any surprise last minute pushes, like Luke Elder or new push on Landon Dickerson or someone else?

TCI – We expect Clemson to sign four offensive linemen for 2016.  They already have two on board and are in great shape for several others.  The two most likely to join the Tigers right now are John Simpson and Parker Boudreaux.

Questions – Who, among those still on our board for the 2016 class, do you project to Clemson?

TCI – Two players we continue to be comfortable projecting to Clemson are offensive lineman John Simpson and receiver Diondre Overton.  Both spent three days at Clemson earlier this month for camp.

Question – Will Ray Ray be a difference maker THIS year? If so at what position (will be hard to beat out #3 for PT)?

TCI – Ray Ray will certainly make a difference this year.  Coach Elliott will be creative in working to get Ray Ray the ball in space.  He will certainly play some behind Artavis.  He will also likely be one of the guys we see on returns at times.  Don’t be surprised to see McCloud in the backfield at times and doing some jet sweeps.

Question – Will our basketball team be better next year?

TCI – The Tigers should certainly be better this fall.  They will finally have a complete point guard that can score as well as dish.  We should see improved play on the wings and also inside.  Also the bigger crowds in Greenville should help.

Question – Which of the incoming freshman DEs will have an impact This year?

TCI – It will be critical to get some success from the freshmen DE’s this fall.  Albert Huggins could play either defensive end or defensive tackle, but we expect him to see some time at end.  He has the body to make a difference and has the benefit of being at Clemson since January.

Austin Bryant is another that we expect to make an impact this year.  He just arrived on campus, but should make a move on the depth chart quickly in camp.  Also keep an eye on Clelin Ferrell who could make a move in August.

How these freshmen come along will be one of the keys to success for the Tigers this season.