One of the best news Clemson got following last month’s national championship game was Jordan Leggett’s announcement that he is returning for his senior season in Tigertown.

A self-proclaimed lazy football player when he was a freshman, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound tight end was anything but last season as he emerged as one of the best tight ends in the country. The John Mackey Award Semifinalist finished the 2015 season with 40 catches for 525 yards and eight touchdowns. His eight touchdowns led all Clemson receivers, while it also tied Dwayne Allen and Brandon Ford for the most touchdowns by a tight end in a season.

How will Leggett be used in the spring?

I have gotten asked this a lot in the last few weeks because a lot of people are curious as to why guys like Garrett Williams, Milan Richard and Cannon Smith are not used more in the passing game. I would imagine Leggett will be used very sparingly in the spring because the coaches already know what he can do. He is used more in the passing game because he runs more pristine routes. He is like having another receiver out there. I think Richard as a chance to be really good. He is built like Allen so I can see him getting more involved this coming year.

Will Garrett Williams become more than a blocker?

As we saw this past year, Williams is an excellent blocker and like his father before him, he is more of an H-back/fullback than a traditional tight end. I can see him being used more in goal line situations where he carries the ball for a touchdown. Or he will get the ball on third-and-one or in situations like that. I doubt we will see many passes thrown his way.

How will Cannon Smith be used?

I expect Smith to move up to the No. 3 tight end spot behind Leggett and Richard. Clemson likes to use three tight ends in a lot of formations and, like I said on goal line and short yardage situations, Williams is likely the guy to take the snaps. But at 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, Smith is a big target and is athletic enough to stay in and block if he has to, but can quickly run a route and do something with the ball once he gets it.

How good can Milan Richard be?

I think he can be very good. Like I said before, he is built a lot like Clemson great Dwayne Allen. He is strong enough to block. He is quick enough to get open and then he is athletic enough to do something with the ball once he gets it. Remember, he will be just a redshirt sophomore this coming season. Also, take into account he comes from a long line of great athletes, including his uncle – former Georgia and Heisman Trophy winner Hershel Walker. During his senior year of high school, he caught 78 passes for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has the potential to be very good.

If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.