Left on offense for 2017

The numbers would suggest that Clemson is over halfway done on the offensive side of the ball for the 2017 signing class.

Not counting 2016 greyshirt signee Cade Stewart, who’s from Daniel, the Tigers list seven commitments to next year’s signing class — six are for the offense.

Hunter Johnson (Brownsburg, Ind.) and Chase Brice (Loganville, Ga.) are committed to join a Clemson quarterback group that is likely to lose Deshaun Watson and Nick Schuessler after next season.

Sunday’s addition of Amari Rodgers (Knoxville, Tenn.) will account for one of he three potential departures before next Signing Day. Germone Hopper is the only senior listed on the current roster, but Mike Williams and Artavis Scott are pegged as potential NFL Draft entrants, like their star quarterback.

The initial number of wide receiver takes was two, but that’s subject to change. The remaining top targets are projected as potential takes for the 9-position, which Williams currently occupies. Tee Higgins (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) and J.J. Robinson (Lakeland, Fla.) were mentioned by Rodgers as his guys he’ll help recruit to Clemson. OrTre Smith (Mount Pleasant) and Nico Collins (Pinson, Ala.) are also on the radar.

One might also assume this will be Wayne Gallman’s last season at Clemson, so there’s probably room for another take there. A few prospects have emerged, but Colin Wilson (Green Cove Springs, Fla.) and A.J. Davis (Lakeland, Fla.) are the only ones that have visited campus. That’s if you don’t count Jordan Anthony (IMG Academy), who’s been pursued by Clemson as a linebacker. Cordarrian Richardson (Memphis), Kyshaun Bryan (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), D’Andre Swift (Philadelphia) and Anthony McFarland Jr. (Hyattsville, Md.) also have offers from Clemson.

Jordan Leggett will be a senior, but there’s no guarantee that Clemson will add a tight end in 2017. The only 2017 tight end with an offer from the Tigers is Will Register (Chapin), who committed to South Carolina just days later. Smith, who’s listed at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, could potentially grow into a tight end, though we’re not sure if college recruiters see it that way.

Even though Jay Guillermo is the only senior offensive lineman on Clemson’s roster for 2016, they could lose as many as three after 2017.

The Tigers’ 2017 offensive line class is close to capacity. Noah DeHond (Rochester, N.Y.) was first. Matt Bockhorst (Cincinnati) pulled the trigger at Junior Day and Blake Vinson (Citra, Fla) dropped a day later. Trey Smith (Jackson, Tenn.), Andrew Thomas (Atlanta)  and Eric Douglas (Charlotte, N.C.) are still left on the board.

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.

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