3 Things to Watch for During Clemson Fall Camp?
In just a few days, the following process for Clemson football will begin, bringing us even closer to the regular season: fall camp. With media days out of the way and the only thing in the Tigers’ sights is their primetime matchup against the Duke Blue Devils on Labor Day Monday, the fun begins with fall camp set to kick off. With some of our questions answered about the Tigers’ during Clemson and ACC Media Days, some things are still uncertain and we will find out about them very soon in the next few weeks of camp. Here are some things that we are looking out for as Clemson Fall Camp begins.
The Full Air Raid Offense
It’s what every Clemson fanatic is looking forward to this season, right?
With the new addition this January of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, the finishing touches should be made on this offense during fall camp, giving viewers at camp an ability to see how the Air Raid offense performs for the first time with the full playbook and starters.
Most of it was installed in the spring, with viewers seeing some plays of the new-look offense in Clemson’s spring game in April. The difference now, however, is the full roster has officially settled in, allowing Riley to put his final thoughts and changes into his new offense, hoping to unlock the potential of sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik, and his plethora of options at receiver, tight end and running back.
With some believing that the Tigers will go as far as their offense can take them, it is imperative that the offense gets a strong feel for their new scheme early this fall, with a tough defensive Duke team awaiting them in the first game of the season.
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Defense’s Front Seven and Injuries
Another question mark that viewers will see on the field over the next few weeks is how Clemson’s front seven will line up. With many departures to this group, whether it be to the NFL Draft or graduation, fans could see a different look to the front seven, especially to the defensive line. With stars like Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee gone, some new faces could be cementing their old spots, giving them the potential for a breakout year.
Another question mark with this group, as well as the team as a whole, is injuries. Will guys like Xavier Thomas and Ruke Orhorhoro be healthy? If they aren’t, who is going to step up while they recover over this time? The fall camp can provide a lot of answers for that, as well as give us timelines of returns to these guys who nursed injuries over the offseason and are still recovering.
Despite injuries plaguing this line, the depth at this position allows the Tigers to be in great hands. Old faces meet new with graduate player Tyler Davis returning to join freshman phenom Peter Woods on the defensive line. Justin Mascoll, although still recovering from an injury, can return and provide depth to this line. A freshman like A.J. Hoffler can break through in their first season if injuries linger. It may be tough to see a starter out with injury, but with the depth this group has, it can be exciting to see a young and hungry player play some snaps, which viewers may see at camp.
Cade Klubnik and the Receiving Corps
With Klubnik given the keys to the offense and an offseason to progress and gain chemistry with his receivers, who is going to be his No. 1 guy?
If one thing is for certain, he has plenty of talent alongside him that could be the breakout player on this offense. First, he has most of his receivers coming back from injury. Beaux Collins is the veteran of the group, who also put up tremendous performances early on last season. Antonio Williams is the Freshman All-American of the bunch, who has over 600 receiving yards last year and four touchdowns in his first season. Adam Randall is the sleeper of the room, who could go under the radar with an injury-led freshman season. His season-high in receptions and yards was against Tennesee, which was Klubnik’s only start.
Cole Turner is another guy, who had the only 100-yard receiving game for the Tigers against North Carolina last season. Tight end Jake Briningstool is yet another candidate, who gets the top spot on the depth chart with Davis Allen leaving.
All in all, so many Tigers on this offense have the potential of breaking out, from a return from injury or simply having a year to learn and polish their skills. Whether it be anyone I just mentioned or somebody else, somebody on this Clemson offense is bound to erupt this season.
