Fall camp is now complete and the focus has turned to Auburn 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 last week, which players are elevating their game and their position on the depth chart.
Up
John Simpson – Offensive coordinator Tony Elliott had high praise for John Simpson this week and said the true freshman will definitely play this year. That is a major move in camp for a player that didn’t enroll early. Simpson will provide depth at guard this season.
Dexter Lawrence – Everyone knew Lawrence would play this season and be a force for the Tigers, but not many would have thought he might get the start at Auburn. With the injuries to Austin Bryant and Carlos Watkins, Lawrence has been running with the ones at defensive tackle the past few practices. If Watkins isn’t back for Auburn look for Lawrence to get the start in the middle with Christian Wilkins moving outside to defensive end for Bryant.
K’Von Wallace – K’Von has been exactly what the coaching staff had hoped. He has shown the ability to play safety, corner or nickel. Wallace will definitely play this year according to head coach Dabo Swinney and defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Isaiah Simmons came in more highly ranked by most, but is still on the bubble for playing time this season in comparison. Wallace has drawn comparisons from Dabo to that of Marcus Gilchrist.
Mark Fields – Trayvon Mullen has been as advertised so far in August, but so far Fields has done enough to keep the starting job. On Friday Swinney said Fields would start over Mullen right now. This battle will go on and many believe Mullen will be the starter at some point this season, but so far Fields has held off Mullen. Fields has shown the ability to be a very good corner. If he brings the consistency the staff is looking for it will be a big boost for the secondary.
Scott Pagano – With Wilkins moving out to play some at defensive end due to the injury of Bryant, and Watkins injured, Scott is running with the ones at defensive tackle. Pagano saw plenty of action last year and his play will be critical at Auburn with the injuries.
Downs
Austin Bryant – A broken bone in his foot will sideline Bryant for several games. The staff hopes to have him back by Georgia Tech.
Carlos Watkins – A wrist injury has sidelined Watkins. The injury could keep Watkins out two to four weeks as TCI reported Thursday night. Watkins is doing everything he can to be back for Auburn. If he is only out two weeks he should be set to return the week of the Auburn game.