Over the next few weeks, we will take a look at each position on the football team to examine where each player stands right now in his group on the depth chart. We will look back on the 2015 season for analysis and attempt to forecast what the 2016 depth chart might look like in a few months, including early thoughts on the mid-year enrollees. Today, we continue with a look at the right guard position…
- Tyrone Crowder, RS Jr.
From the time Crowder arrived at Clemson, he was groomed to take over one of the guard positions. His time began at left guard, but during his sophomore season, Crowder was realigned to the right side. That appears to be his likely destination in 2016, when he returns to the top of the depth chart.
The only reason Crowder was bumped off the top spot late in the 2015 campaign was an injury bug that would not stop biting him. Crowder was able to get on the field, but his ability to play a full game’s worth of snaps was compromised. If that isn’t the case any longer, no one should be able to usurp Crowder’s standing as the starter this time around.
Always in his element as a ferocious and punishing run blocker, Crowder has devoted himself to becoming an all-around force in Clemson’s interior line. That process should continue this offseason with continual growth as a pass blocker and a renewed emphasis on maintaining full health. As a fourth-year player with a great deal of talent, Crowder should be one of the leaders up front for the Tigers in 2016.
- Maverick Morris, RS Jr.
Justin Falcinelli could see some work here, too, but Morris should be slotted in this position all year long. Having ended 2015 as the de facto starter at right guard, Morris descends back into a more familiar backup role. That’s not to say he won’t be valuable. Indeed, Morris could be the most important second-stringer on the offensive line in 2016.
The fourth-year player was incredibly valuable as a utility piece in 2015, even filling in at right tackle in a tough spot at Louisville back in September. Morris’ flexibility will allow Robbie Caldwell to get him into the game at a variety of positions, including right tackle and left guard. Morris also proved himself worthy as an insurance policy in case Crowder goes down at some point during the year.
Any time a player on the bottom half of the two-deep depth chart boasts starting experience, it is a blessing for a football team. That’s what Morris gives the Tigers in 2016. He is stronger as a run blocker, so improvements in terms of footwork and acumen in pass protection will increase his value throughout the program. It appears there is yet another jack-of-all-trades for Dabo Swinney and his staff to play with up front.
God Bless!
WQ
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.
