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 strongside defensive end position…
- Austin Bryant, So.
As the healthy half of the dynamic duo Clemson signed at defensive end (more on his counterpart later), Bryant made an instant impact as a true freshman in 2015. He became a reliable backup on the strong side of the defensive line, spelling Kevin Dodd throughout the season. Now Bryant steps up into a starting role as one of the most intriguing players on the Clemson defense this spring.
Bryant came in last year with a 6’4”, 265-pound frame that was physically ready to play. He was immediately thrown into the mix and earned that reserve role by default due to a lack of experienced depth and an injury to fellow freshman Clelin Ferrell. For the season, Bryant registered 23 tackles, including a couple for loss.
We shouldn’t make the mistake of pigeon-holing Bryant into the strongside position, though. He relieved Shaq Lawson on the weak side in the Orange Bowl and more than held his own. With the expectation that he might put on some good weight in the offseason, Bryant should grow into a well-rounded force on the defensive front, and at 280 pounds, that seems to fit the mold of a strongside end.
- Chris Register, RS So.
Register has found himself between positions a little bit so far during his Clemson career. Is he a strongside end, a weakside end, or even a linebacker? Some of the back-and-forth may have ended up costing him snaps in 2015, when he registered only one tackle.
As the depth chart stands right now, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Clelin Ferrell or Richard Yeargin actively utilized in this role, but since the two seem locked in a tight battle at weakside end, Register is the best standalone option. He’s a bit small at 245 pounds, but he plays like a strong and sturdy player. His lack of pass rush instincts and quick-twitch ability make him more of a fit here.
That explosiveness off the edge has to be there in order for Register to see the field in 2016. That’s the case even given the apparent lack of depth at either end position. He needs to work on that as the spring wears onward in order to create some positive momentum for himself heading into August.
- Sterling Johnson, RS Fr.
Johnson redshirted last year in an effort to mold his body and develop his technical skill level. He likely has quite a bit of work still to do in order to become a regular part of the rotation here at strongside end. He is built like a defensive tackle, pushing 300 pounds, but he remains on the outside.
2016 feels like another developmental year for Johnson. That’s not an altogether bad thing, as Marion Hobby has proven to be pretty good at milking all the talent in the world out of a player, even if it takes a few years to get it done. If you need proof, check out where Kevin Dodd is on most NFL draft boards right now.
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.
