Ask TCI
By: rmacrae@bellsouth.net July 24, 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:  Is it true Davidson is faster than he’s ever been?  Will he be given a chance to return kicks?

TCI:  Coach Elliott said Davidson “was back” and that he is as fast as ever.  He will be given a chance to return punts, but there are a number of playmakers like Scott, Hopper, McCloud and Cain that will also be given opportunities.  Green will also be a guy on kickoff returns again.  Dabo praised him in the meetings last week.

Question: Are some of the offensive linemen that we haven’t heard a lot about stepping it up, like Morris and Hearn?

TCI:  Hearn was one of the first names out of Dabo’s mouth last week when talking about how the offensive line will be just fine this year.  Swinney praised both Hearn and Morris.  They will both contribute this year and battle for time on the two-deep.

Hearn was one of the offensive linemen that we felt was probably even underrated coming out of high school.  He will be a good one for the Tigers.

Question: Where do we stand at punter and kicker?
 
TCI:  Andy Teasdall will be the punter this season.  If you remember he looked good when given an opportunity in the bowl game last year.  Andy has a very good spring from the reports we got from the coaches.
 
At kicker Lakip will of course be the guy when he gets back from his suspension.  Dabo has not announced how many games Lakip will miss, but did tell us in Pinehurst that Ammon is already aware of his punishment.
 
While Lakip is on the sideline Alex Spence and Christian Groomes will battle for the starting position.  If you saw our Insider Report a few weeks ago we said that Groomes actually did as well as Spence this spring.  Spence will be given the first shot as the scholarship kicker, but Groomes will be able to earn the job if he has a stronger August.

Question – Ginger or Mary Anne?

TCI – Well that is an easy one.  Mary Anne of course.

Questions – Assuming Watson stays healthy what is your prediction for his stats?

TCI – If Watson stays healthy he will be in the Heisman race if Clemson wins the ACC this season.  Here are some predictions for his regular season stats:

Passing TD’s:  40

Rushing TD’s:  8

Passing Yards:  4200

Rushing Yards:  800

Interceptions:  10

Question – Prior to Battle being kicked off the team, how large was the gap between Hyatt and Battle?  Do you think Hyatt will be serviceable by the time Clemson plays Louisville?

TCI – From all the reports Battle was finally ready to be a consistent player and have a dominant season.  The gap was more physical at this point as Hyatt is still working to get his body to where he wants it to be to be a dominant left tackle.  The gap was not as large when it comes to the mental game.  Hyatt is very mature for his age and has a great understanding of the game and the position.

Hyatt will face his first real test against Louisville.  He should be “serviceable” for that game, but will certainly get better as the season goes along and he gains experience.

Question – How is Falcinelli progressing?

TCI – Justin had a very good spring.  He saw time at both center and guard.  With Guillermo gone he was the No. 2 center during the spring.  The coaches had good things to say about his progress.

With Guillermo back it will probably limit Justin’s playing time this season.  We will likely see him more the first two games of the season than we will as the season progresses.  If there are injuries he could see time at either guard or center.  He will be a good player for Clemson as he gains experience.

Question – Who starts the season at corner opposite Alexander?

TCI – Tankersley is the leader in the clubhouse going into camp.  He will most likely get the start when the season opens in the Valley.  However keep an eye on Mark Fields.  Fields will be hard to keep off the field as he learns the defense.  He could be starting opposite Alexander when the season ends.