The Tigers finished the 2015 season just five points short of a National Championship. Several players set themselves up for a move on the depth chart during the offseason with their play down the stretch.
One last edition of our Up Downs feature before spring practice. Which players are elevating their game and their position on the depth chart?
Up
Hunter Renfrow – With Artavis Scott still not 100 percent and Cain and Williams watching from the sidelines Hunter Renfrow played the game of his life in his biggest game. Renfrow showed that he is much more than a possession receiver. He is a playmaker that can make plays when needed most. Hunter will be a significant contributor to the offense next season.
Wayne Gallman – The return of Wayne Gallman is huge for Clemson. The Wayne Train showed late in the season that he is as good as any running back in the nation. Feaster and Choice will give the Tigers an outstanding group of backs, but it will be hard to get Wayne off the field.
Austin Bryant – With Shaq Lawson sidelines a good bit in the College Football Playoff with a knee injury freshman Austin Bryant stepped up and did a great job at defensive end. Bryant was in on a huge fourth down stop in the win over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. Coach Hobby is one of the best in the business so expect Bryant to improve significantly during the offseason. Bryant will be one of the keys to the defensive line in 2016.
Mark Fields – With Mackensie Alexander off to the NFL the Tigers will be looking for another starter at corner. Baker and Carter will be two names that many will consider, but Mark Fields is likely to be the guy to replace Alexander. Fields has great speed and very good cover skills. He got some experience in the championship game after Alexander went out with injury. Look for Fields to be a different player when 2016 begins and don’t be surprised to see him starting opposite Cordrea Tankersley.
Christian Wilkins – Wilkins just got better and better as the season progressed. His catch on the fake in the Orange Bowl turned the momentum and the Tigers never went on to whip the Sooners. The freshman is as talented as any defensive tackle to ever run down The Hill. Now with 15 games under his belt Wilkins has added experience to his match his talent. Look for Wilkins to have a monster season in 2016.
Downs
Tyshon Dye – With Gallman back and Choice and Feaster in the mix for 2016 it is hard to see Tyshon Dye getting many carries at running back.
Deon Cain – Because of a poor decision Deon Cain had to watch the College Football Playoffs from home. Could he have been the difference in the championship game? We will never know, but his selfish actions hurt the team for sure. Cain has two strikes and one more will have him off the team for good. Hopefully Deon will do the things necessary to get back on the team and will take advantage of the opportunities he has at Clemson. If he does he has the potential to be as good as any receiver ever to wear the Orange.