Practices are underway for the 2016 season as the second-ranked Clemson Tigers prepare for what they hope is a championship season.
In this edition of our Up Downs feature we take a look at which players made a move in the first week of preseason camp. Which players are elevating their game and their position on the depth chart?
Up
Trayvon Mullen – It only took one day for Mullen to grab everyone’s attention. On the first day he went toe-to-toe with start wide receiver Mike Williams during the one-on-one drills. All week long coaches and players singled out Mullen for his play including Christian Wilkins, who said he was very impressed. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables also had plenty of praise for Mullen who will definitely make an impact this season.
Tavien Feaster – This one is certainly not a surprise. Feaster showed in week one that he is ready to be a major contributor this season. He brings a different level of speed to the running back position. In Saturday’s practice, the first with full pads, he had a run for more than 50 yards. Co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott spoke early in the week about how impressed he was with Feaster’s focus and preparation in camp.
Deon Cain – Dabo Swinney summed up Cain’s first week back with the Tigers with one word, “awesome.” Cain looks like a different receiver this year. Last year he was learning the position after playing quarterback in high school. After serving his suspension he has come back with a chip on his shoulder ready to help the Tigers win a championship. Look for the staff to do some cross training with Cain this month so they can get Cain, Williams and Scott on the field at the same time.
Chris Register – Register was singled out and praised by head coach Dabo Swinney on Friday. Register is finally at home at defensive end after making the move last year from linebacker. The Tigers need some players to step up at defensive end and it sounds like Register is ready to make an impact.
Albert Huggins – Getting on the field for significant time won’t be easy for Huggins this season with the depth chart at defensive tackle. But from what we heard this week the light has come on for Huggins this season and he is now ready to step into the rotation at defensive tackle. Huggins is a great athlete and will be a great defensive tackle at Clemson before he leaves campus. The coaches and his teammates had plenty of praise for Huggins during week one.
Downs
Marcus Edmond – Edmond injured his hamstring on the first day of practice so he has not been able to get back on the field. He came into camp as the starter at corner, but has now opened the door for Mark Fields and Mullen to get the reps while he is sidelined. The staff expects a lot from Edmond this season so he will be right back in the mix fighting for the starting role when he returns.
J.C. Chalk – A redshirt was likely for Chalk with the depth at tight end, but an injury he suffered this week in practice will certainly mean a redshirt. He came down on his foot wrong while trying to catch a pass on the sideline on Thursday. There is no time set for Chalk’s return, who is now wearing a boot on his right foot.