The 2014 season is underway as the Tigers make a push for another championship.
Each week TCI will look at the players moving up and those that are moving down in the Up Downs feature. Which players are elevating their game and their position on the depth chart?
Up
Wayne Gallman – Wayne has patiently waited for his opportunity to show the staff what he can do and Saturday afternoon he got that opportunity. Gallman took advantage of the opportunity leading the Tigers in rushing. That performance should earn Wayne more touches starting against Florida State. If Gallman continues to take advantage of his opportunities he should continue to see more playing time as the season progresses.
Adam Choice – Just three weeks ago Adam Choice wasn’t sure if he would play or redshirt this season. After Brooks suffered a season ending injury the decision was final that Choice would play. Adam got his first snaps on Saturday and showed that he deserves more playing time. In fact he showed that he could potentially be the best healthy back on the roster. Look for Choice to play more and more as the season moves along.
Artavis Scott – Artavis Scott showed the staff, the fans and everyone else that Clemson has a playmaker at receiver. Scott broke Sammy Watkins record for receiving yards for a freshman. Artavis also showed that he is the better option for the screen passes than Adam Humphries. Look for Scott to be a major focus of the offense for the rest of his career.
Jay Jay McCullough – Jay Jay had an outstanding game Saturday. The former high school receiver and running back has the skills to be a playmaker with the ball in his hands. McCullough has the physical skills to play tight end similar to how Dwayne Allen did for Clemson. Jay Jay has taken his game to another level this season. His development will make the offense much better this season.
Jay Guillermo – Guillermo got his first start as a Tiger. With Norton missing some practice snaps due to illness Jay had an outstanding week of practice last week that translated to his first start. Dabo said Monday that Guillermo looked good on film, although he made a few mistakes. Snap problems have prevented Guillermo from seeing more playing time, but Jay seems to finally be getting good snaps consistently. It is unclear if Guillermo will be able to hold Norton off for the starting spot, but what is clear is that he is ready for more snaps and the coaches can feel more confident with him in the lineup.
Ammon Lakip – Saturday was just what the doctor ordered for Lakip. He hit three field goals and all of his extra points, after a big miss late in the first half at Georgia. Lakip needed some confidence and he got just that with his performance in the home opener. Now Lakip will need to hit the “big kick” when it matters, but Saturday’s performance showed the fans why Dabo has been so confident Lakip would bounce back and get the job done.
Downs
Trevion Thompson – Thompson did not dress out Saturday. If the staff was going to play Thompson this season the SC State game was one where he would see playing time. The redshirt decision could still change if there are some injuries, but for now it looks like Thompson will redshirt.
Sam Cooper– Cooper continues to be sidelined with an injury, but coach Swinney hopes to have him back for Florida State. In his absence Jay Jay McCullough has shown that he is ready to step in and be a major contributor on offense. Once Cooper is back it will be good for the team, but his snaps will be reduced with McCullough playing so well.
DJ Howard – The young backs proved what they could do on Saturday. Howard has had his chances to create separation, but it is clear there is no separation. In fact it is clear that Gallman and Choice both deserve more playing time. That will certainly reduce Howard’s snaps going forward.