As expected, Clemson’s defense for 2016 took a big hit on Wednesday, while the offense was assured its top running back was returning for a another national title run.
Running back Wayne Gallman announced on Twitter on Wednesday morning that he will return to Clemson next season. The All-ACC running back contemplated leaving early for the NFL, but on Twitter this morning he wrote, “One more year won’t be so bad.”
Gallman rushed for a single-season record 1,527 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2015, while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He also caught 21 passes for 213 yards and one touchdown. With Gallman’s return, it assures Clemson that eight of its 11 starters from this year’s record breaking offense will be back in 2016.
Wide receiver Charone Peake, left guard Eric Mac Lain and right tackle Joe Gore have used up their eligibility.
Junior tight end Jordan Leggett announced after Monday’s National Championship Game he was returning for his senior year at Clemson.
The news was not so good for the defensive side of the ball. Clemson lost three of its four starters in the secondary and a defensive end to the NFL. Jayron Kearse, T.J. Green, Mackensie Alexander and Kevin Dodd all declared themselves eligible for April’s NFL Draft.
Juniors and redshirt sophomores have until next Monday to declare themselves eligible for the NFL Draft.
The Clemson defense still has two more players that have not made a decision – defensive tackle Carlos Watkins and cornerback Cordrea Tankersley. If they both decide to leave, defensive coordinator Brent Venables could be looking at having to replace 10 starters on a defense that finished 10th in total defense in 2015.
Alexander and Kearse were expected to turn pro once the season was complete. However, Green’s decision is curious considering he has only played the safety position for two years and only one as a starter. He came to Clemson as a wide receiver before asking to move to safety two years ago.
Green finished second on the team with 95 tackles. He also had 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack, three passes broken up, three passes defended and two forced fumbles.
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Dodd, who was unblockable in both the Orange Bowl win over Oklahoma and against Alabama in the National Championship game, got the ball rolling first with his announcement to turn pro. It’s understandable why Dodd chose to declare for the NFL Draft. He will be 24 years old in July, and figured he does not need to wait any longer because of his age.
Dodd finished each of the last five games with a sack to finish second on the team with 12 sacks. He also was second on the squad with 23.5 tackles for loss. Fellow defensive end Shaq Lawson, who had 12.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss, led the team in both categories.
Lawson, a junior as well, declared for the NFL Draft last month.
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Kearse had an up and down junior season. However, he still finished the year fifth in tackles with 62, while breaking up six passes, defending seven more, three quarterback pressures, three forced fumbles, one recovery and one interception.
Alexander finished his Clemson career with an outstanding redshirt sophomore season. Though he was targeted 104 times this season only 32 were completed. He finished his Clemson by not allowing a touchdown pass under his watch in 25 straight games.
This year, Alexander recorded 23 tackles, two tackles for loss, five passes defend and five passes broken up.
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If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.
