Game week is finally here and the Tigers open the season in the Valley against Wofford next Saturday.

Each week TCI will look at the players moving up and those that are moving down in the Up Downs feature.  Which players are elevating their game and their position on the depth chart?

Up

Christian Wilkins – With D.J. Reader stepping away from football, Christian Wilkins will now have the opportunity to move into the starting lineup for the Tigers or at least see more significant playing time.  The coaches and players have all praised Wilkins progress over the past few weeks.  He was taking some snaps with the ones before Reader’s departure.

Wilkins is as talented as any defensive tackle the Tigers have had for the last twenty-five years.  All he needs is experience and he will now get that early and often.

Scott Pagano – Pagano will also benefit from Reader’s departure as he will see his early playing time increase.  Since he arrived on campus other players have raved about Pagano’s strength.

Scott will now get more playing time which should allow him to improve more quickly.  When Reader returns he will find a much better depth chart and the team may benefit in the long run.

Taylor Hearn – Coach Caldwell likes to cross-train his offensive linemen so they can play multiple positions.  One player that benefited this month was Taylor Hearn.  Hearn worked at both guard and tackle.  Coach Swinney said Hearn has proven that he will be ready if the Tigers need another tackle.  Jake Fruhmorgen will get the first call, but Hearn would be ready if needed.

Expect Hearn to see some good playing time the first two games and that will do a lot to help his development and his confidence.

Austin Bryant – Bryant had a great camp and is ready to play according to the staff.  Bryant will see time in the two-deep at defensive end this season.  His development is critical to provide some quality depth at the position.

The first two games should allow Bryant to get some much needed game experience on this level and increase the rate of his development.  He has all the physical tools to be a great one at Clemson, only needing some game experience.

Downs

D.J. Reader – Dabo announced this week that D.J. will be “stepping away” from football to handle some personal issues.  Reader is expected to return at some point.  The question is what will happen with his playing time when he returns.  Wilkins is an outstanding player and with some additional early playing time will improve his game quickly.

Tanner Muse – Dabo confirmed this week that Tanner will redshirt this year.  That is not a surprise and will be good in the long run for both Muse and the Tigers with the current depth at safety.  Muse will be a great safety for Clemson in the future.

Kaleb Chalmers – Dabo also confirmed this week that Chalmers will redshirt this year.  That will also be good for both the Tigers and Kaleb in the long run due to the depth at corner.  Chalmers will be a great corner in the future for Clemson.