So, if you’re curious to know which players excelled and which ones need to up their game, read on. Get ready to dive into the world of Clemson football and explore the nuances of the offense’s performance during the spring game. It’s time to assess the players and see how they stack up against each other in this exciting new season.
Offensive Line: B
The offensive line was down three starters, and also had the spring game rule for no contact on the quarterbacks, meaning a possible inflated sack total. Even with those things I was overall pleased with their play. Ryan Linthicum had a very good game and seems to have emerged as the clear-cut backup center, behind Will Putnam. Returning right tackle Blake Miller also had a very good game as was expected. For the newcomers, we saw the mountain of a man 6-7 375 pound Zack Owens get in the game early at the left guard spot, and play well. Fellow freshmen Harris Sewell and Ian Reed also played well. You can expect Harris Sewell to become a big-time player this year and someone who can really help this offensive line this season.
Wide Receivers: C
Unfortunately, we knew what we were getting before the teams ever took the field last weekend for the annual spring game. Injuries have continued to hinder the Tigers at the wideout position. Big-time players like Beaux Collins and Adam Randall were sidelined due to injuries from last season. It will certainly be important for them to get to 100 percent before Clemson reports for fall camp. Clemson was also without Troy Stellatto (injury) and Will Taylor (baseball). The Tigers also have a few players who will join the team in the summer from this past recruiting class. As for the players who were available, It was a decent day but far from great. Antonio Williams seems to be ready for a bigger season than last year, he will be a big part of Clemson’s success. Sophomore Cole Turner will be thrust into a bigger role this year and all reports are that he is ready for it. Brannon Spector still showed inconsistency with catching the football. Noble Johnson showed flashes that he could be ready to contribute this year. This unit should be better than last year but they must get healthy.
Running Backs: A
The only thing keeping this group from receiving an A+ is the fact that we did not get to see Will Shipley play, as he was held out for precautionary reasons (tendonitis in his knee). Phil Mafah had a big play that stuck with everyone where Andrew Mukuba met him in the hole and he just bounced right off him and bounced the run outside for a big gain in the red zone. He should have a very good year alongside Will Shipley. As for running back depth, this is really what should be celebrated. Redshirt junior Dominique Thomas had a big workload for the orange team with 14 carriers and 63 yards. Keith Adams Jr also showed promise with 11 carries for 50 yards. They showed that they will be very good depth pieces for CJ Spiller’s running back room this fall.
Tight Ends: B+
If anyone was wondering or nervous about how first-year offensive coordinator Garrett Riley would utilize the tight ends and the middle of the field, all of that was put to bed in the spring game. The tight ends will once again be a weapon for the Tigers and the middle of the field seems to be a priority. We saw limited time from Jake Briningstool who tallied 3 catches for 56 yards, who took a big hit and was fine but was held just to be safe. Jake is poised to have a breakout season as the starting tight end. Sage Ennis also added 1 catch for 19 yards and took a big hit that seemed to knock the wind out of him. He seems like he will be a suitable backup. For the spring game breakout player Banks Pope, a redshirt sophomore from AC Flora High School recorded 6 catches for 67 yards and continued to be a safe outlet for Cade Klubnik settling in over the middle of the field. Josh Sapp also seems like he will get a decent amount of playing time this season. Clemson will also add Olsen Patt-Henry and Markus Dixon to this room over the summer.
Quarterbacks: B-
There was some promise from Cade Klubnik who started the game off hot. He still had some mistakes, and missed throws. The biggest thing still noticeable was that he is still holding on to the ball a little too much. He addressed this in the post-game media availability saying that pocket presence will continue to be something he works on before time to report for fall camp. Hunter Helms from Gray Collegiate Academy in the midlands has earned the backup role as Clemson hopes to be able to redshirt Christopher Vizzina. Hunter Helms was 8-18 for 112 yards with a very slim cast of receivers. Overall, for Garrett Riley to just be getting to town, and everyone learning the system we saw what we should have been expecting. Fall camp will be big for everyone, especially Cade Klubnik who needs to fully learn the Riley playbook and get more comfortable with him, and being the starting QB.
In conclusion, the Clemson Football Spring Games of 2023 proved to be a thrilling and exciting event for fans and players alike. The Tigers showcased their talent and potential, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming season. From the explosive offense to the relentless defense, the team demonstrated their commitment to excellence and determination to win.
As the team prepares for the regular season, fans can look forward to seeing their favorite players in action and experiencing the electric atmosphere of Memorial Stadium. With a talented roster and dedicated coaching staff, the Clemson Tigers are poised for success in the upcoming season.
But the question remains: who will rise to the challenge and lead the team to victory? Will it be veteran wide receiver Cade Klubnik, or will a new star emerge from the talented roster of young players? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – the Clemson Tigers are ready to roar onto the field and make their mark in the world of college football.
So, are you ready to join the excitement and cheer on the Clemson Tigers? Let us know in the comments below.
