Clemson Looks for Depth to Shine in Second Scrimmage

CLEMSON — Clemson will hold its second and final scrimmage of fall camp on Thursday at Memorial Stadium.

The Tigers will be five days removed from their first scrimmage, one in which head coach Dabo Swinney said was balanced as both the offense and defense made plays.

What will Thursday’s scrimmage reveal?

Perhaps the team’s depth.

Clemson, who is ranked No. 4 in the Associated Press’ Preseason Top 25 Poll, will be without a few players more than likely.

On the offensive side, the Tigers will likely be without guard Walker Parks after he was banged up in the first scrimmage. It’s likely running back Adam Randall will not play either after suffering what is described as a minor knee injury.

Randall was injured in practice earlier this week.

Keep in mind, Clemson has not officially ruled out any players, as Swinney will likely address both injuries following the scrimmage.

Cornerback Jeadyn Lukus will likely be questionable in the scrimmage, though he was expected to return to practice on either Monday or Tuesday, according to Swinney. Safety Khalil Barnes might have to sit the scrimmage out too, depending on if and when he returned to practice this week.

“He is working his way back,” Swinney said about Barnes last Saturday.

Without Barnes, Swinney was pleased with the play of his safeties. Ricardo Jones, Ronan Hanafin, Rob Billings and Kylon Griffin have been getting in and getting more first-team reps. Tyler Venables is also getting new opportunities.

“That has been a bright spot for us,” Swinney said. “You try to find the good in everything. I hate that Khalil has been out for a few days, but it has kind of forced the opportunity for Ronan, Ricardo, Kylon Griffin, Billings, (Kylen) Webb and those guys. They are getting a ton of work.

“Our safety group has really been a bright spot in camp, even with Khalil not out there. We all know what he is and what he can do. We will get him back at some point.”

Freshman defensive tackle Amare Adams missed last week’s scrimmage due to an ankle sprain. The coaches are hoping he can go in the morning.

On offense, with Randall likely out, look for David Eziomume to get a lot of first-team reps, as well as freshman Gideon Davidson.

“The game is still slowing down for him, when it comes to all the stuff he is looking at defensively right now,” Swinney said of Davidson. “There is a lot going on over there. They got a lot going on. It is like a washing machine, stuff is everywhere.

“So, he is willing. That is the main thing, and he is smart, as long as you got that, the rest of it will come. He will get some good reps.”

On the offensive line, look for Harris Sewell to step in at right guard for the injured Parks. Collin Sadler indicated he is starting at left guard due to the fact he is taking the majority of the first-team reps. Elyjah Thurmon will also get some looks at first-team right guard, quite possibly.