Clemson holds its first full scrimmage on Saturday in Death Valley. As players try to position themselves on the depth chart the scrimmage will be critical for many.
The Clemson Insider takes a look at five questions that may start being answered with Saturday’s scrimmage.
1 – Can Huegel continue to impress?
Last week head coach Dabo Swinney couldn’t remember Huegel’s first name, which is Greg by the way, but he sure remembered how he has taken the lead in the kicking battle during camp. The walk-on has shown the strongest leg and the most accuracy so far.
Swinney said after Friday’s practice the scrimmage will be big for the kicking battle as the staff will try to add stress and pressure to them. They will also do kickoffs today.
Will the walk-on still hold the starting spot once the scrimmage is complete or will scholarship kicker Alex Spence takeover the pole position.
2 – Will the Tigers get through the scrimmage injury free?
One of the concerns every time the Tigers scrimmage is will there be any significant injuries. Korrin Wiggins was lost for the season earlier this week with a knee injury during a situational scrimmage.
Injuries can have a major impact on the season. Clemson coaches and players will be hoping to make it through the scrimmage in the Valley without any injuries.
The Tigers will scrimmage again on Thursday and then things will move more towards game preparations.
3 – Which freshmen will show they should play in 2015?
Swinney said the staff will discuss redshirt decisions after Thursday’s scrimmage. Today’s scrimmage and the one on Thursday will be key to those that are on the bubble to play or not to play in 2015.
Mitch Hyatt, Jake Fruhmorgen, Ray Ray McCloud, Deon Cain and Christian Wilkins will all definitely play in 2015 according to the staff. Austin Bryant, Albert Huggins and Clelin Ferrell are also likely to play in 2015.
Garrett Williams changed his decision to enroll early because he planned to redshirt this season due to the depth at tight end. After 10 days of camp he has impressed the staff enough that they are now saying he may play in 2015.
There are a number of other freshmen that could see playing time in 2015. How they perform in today’s scrimmage will be critical.
4 – Does Bryant close the gap with Schuessler?
Freshman Kelly Bryant had a good week and has shown the staff he could be able to lead the team if needed with the right package. Nick Schuessler continues to lead at the No. 2 spot, but Bryant is getting better by the week.
The coaches will want to decide before the first two games if they plan to play Kelly Bryant or redshirt him. If Bryant continues to play well in today’s scrimmage, and again on Thursday, that decision will be easier.
5 – Will the running back depth chart shuffle, again?
Wayne Gallman continues to lead the depth chart battle at running back, but the rest of the depth chart has been shuffled several times during camp. C.J. Davidson has that look in his eye this year according to the coaches and has ascended to the No. 2 spot.
Can Tyshon Dye perform well enough to move up from the No. 5 spot? Will Davidson close the gap with Gallman? Does Adam Choice, who currently sits at No. 3, show he should definitely play in 2015 despite coming off the knee injury?
Some of those questions will start to be answered in Saturday’s scrimmage.