Clemson completed the first week of camp Saturday with the first practice in full pads.  Thanks to a decision by coach Swinney the media was able to watch the entire first four practices.

What did we learn from the first week of camp?

1 – Watson is back

The most important this we saw this week was the return of Deshaun Watson without any limitations.  Watson wore a knee brace, but that was the only sign that he was returning from a knee injury.

Watson looked good all week throwing the football and on the run.  On Friday he made a cut and run that left the defenders wondering where he went.  The Heisman hopeful ran the first team all week and distributed the ball to all of the other weapons on offense.

If Watson stays healthy this season the sky is the limit for the Clemson offense.

2 – Kicking still uncertain

Another big question headed into camp was who would handle kicking in the absence of Ammon Lakip.  After the completion of week one that question is still unanswered.

Alex Spence has a battle on his hands, but it is not just from walkon Christian Groomes.  Another walkon, Greg Huegel, is making a strong push to win the job.  Huegel looked very good Friday nailing a 47 yarder to end practice that would have been good from 50 plus.  He appears to have the strongest leg of the three.

Coach Swinney joked after practice Friday that they found Huegel at the grocery store.  Regardless of where they find Lakip’s replacement, they need to find a gem in the next few weeks.

3 – Secondary will be special

The Clemson secondary has received a lot of hype in the offseason.  So far they have lived up to the hype in week one.  The Tigers talented set of receivers found a defensive back in their face almost every time they ran down the field.

The depth of the secondary was what stood out in week one.  Carter was impressive with at least four interceptions.  Freshmen Fields and Smith looked impressive.

Kearse, Alexander and Green will be special this season.  The battle is for the fourth member of the “no fly zone”.  The good news for Clemson is there are plenty of strong contenders.

4 – Don’t forget Thompson

The talk since signing day has been about the arrival of two 5-star receivers, Ray Ray McCloud and Deon Cain.  Both looked the part in the first week of camp.  Cain, who played quarterback in high school, is raw but the talent is amazing.  He had the catch of the week going up for a one handed catch that was amazing on the second day of camp.

But the receiver that really had everyone talking this week was Trevion Thompson.  We heard good things about Thompson during the spring, but this week in camp we got to see it for ourselves.  Thompson looked like he is ready to be the next Mike Williams.  The coaches couldn’t say enough good things about Thompson this week.  They really didn’t need to as anyone that watched the practices came away very impressed with No. 1.

5 – Defensive line will be fine

Another concern heading into the season is the defensive line.  Well after watching week one of camp, the defensive line will probably be just fine.  The first four of Lawson, Reader, Watkins and Dodd will be as the coaches continue to tell us whenever they get the chance.

The good news is there is plenty of talent behind that first team, they just need some experience.  Wilkins, Huggins, Bryant and Ferrell all look physically ready to contribute this season.  Ferrell may be very underrated even though he came in as a 4-star.

As the season progresses the defensive line will only get better.  By the time Florida State visits Death Valley Clemson’s defense could be nasty.