CLEMSON — Clemson Football will host its annual Orange & White Spring Game Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Below are five things you to need look for as you watch the game.
Bryant Wesco vs. Tavoy Feagin
Bryant Wesco, the freshman from Midlothian, Texas, has been the talk of the spring. Offensive and defensive players have bragged about the abilities of the true freshman, who enrolled at Clemson in January. Wesco showed out in each of the Tigers’ scrimmages this spring. He will be paired with starting quarterback Cade Klubnik on the Orange Roster, which could give fans a glimpse of things to come this fall. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound receiver will be matched up against fellow freshman Tavoy Feagin, who has had a good spring as well and got more reps than once thought due to all the injuries at cornerback. Both were highly touted players coming out of high school, with Wesco listed as a former five-star recruit.
Phil Mafah vs. Sammy Brown
When running back Phil Mafah hits the hole with his 6-foot-1, 230-pound frame, he likely could run into freshman middle linebacker Sammy Brown, who is 6-foot-2 and checks in at 235 pounds. In other words, it should be quite a collision. Mafah does not lose too many battles on Saturdays, ask linebackers at Notre Dame and Kentucky for references. However, Brown is one of the top recruited linebackers to ever come to Clemson and has made his presence known over the spring. Brown, a former five star, is athletic and fast, which has caught some off guard due to his big frame. The true freshman from Commerce, Ga., is still learning what it is like to be a college linebacker and I am sure Mafah will teach him a thing or two in Saturday’s Orange & White Game.
Competition at center
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney says Ryan Linthicum would be the starter at center if the Tigers were playing Georgia on Saturday. However, offensive line coach Matt Luke still wants to see what Harris Sewell can do there. Swinney says they want to see more from Linthicum over the summer, especially his commitment to his fitness level. Sewell could play guard in Saturday’s Orange & White game, as well, but he is playing on both the Orange and White Rosters so the coaches can get a true evaluation on where he is at in his progression. Sewell never played center before this spring. Trent Howard will play guard and center for the White team.
Will Klubnik look grown up?
There were times last year when quarterback Cade Klubnik was compared to a Labrador puppy – clumsy and does not always make the best decisions. A lot of his growth will not show in the spring game. However, we should see some progression in his ability to make better decisions and become more decisive. Likely we will not get a gage on if his pocket presence has improved, due to the fact the quarterbacks are not tackled in the spring game. I am sure Swinney will be in his ear on the field counting for him, though.
Is Christopher Vizzina ready to challenge Klubnik?
Swinney has told us (the media) all spring that Christopher Vizzina has made a huge jump and is in position to push Klubnik. However, it does not mean the redshirt freshman is ready to take the job from Klubnik. However, if Klubnik is struggling, the coaches feel fine with putting Vizzina in a game and feel they still have a chance to win. Vizzina struggled in last year’s spring game, and it was obvious he had a lot to learn. However, Swinney and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley (who is also the quarterbacks coach), feel Vizzina has progressed well in the off-season and during spring ball and is ready to help the Tigers if they need him. I guess we will get to see some of that growth on Saturday.
A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available. Get yours while supplies last! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
