Clemson Football: How Is the 2015 Season Shaping Up?
By Joe Wedra
What’s the word regarding Clemson Football in 2015? It’s clearly Deshaun Watson’s team — but what’s the primary spotlight focused on heading into the season?
One thing is for sure: the offense has the potential to be electric.
Offensive Attack
With Watson back at full strength from his ACL injury, the QB at the helm looks to lead this Clemson offense to the promise land. It’s no secret that the ACC has their sights focused on the youngster down in Clemson — it’s up the 19-year-old to prove he can be the top-10 bound signal-caller.
Last year’s stat line (67.9% completion rate, 14 TD, 2 INT, 5 rushing TDs) is enough to put the “ACC Player of the Year Sleeper Alert” label on him.
Much of the hype surrounding Watson stems from the depth chart at the receiving position. Returning this year are two of the stars of the conference, veteran Mike Williams and a guy you might have heard of — sophomore WR Artavis Scott.
Scott put up an unbelievable freshman campaign, boasting an anything but inexperienced 76/965/8 line. If the Tigers offense wants to go, they may have to rely on their catalysts at the receiver position.
Let’s also not forget the wild card, TE Jordan Leggett. After facing a bit of adversity and critics labeling him a “disappointment”, the 6’5″ junior can do some damage if given the opportunity combined with hard work leading up to September.
Turnaround on Defense
Quite possibly the biggest question of the season lies within the Tigers defense, now depleted after losing several key leaders up front.
Most notably, Clemson will have to fill the voids of LB Stephone Anthony, Vic Beasley and DL Grady Jarrett, three key athletic big men up front who put the stamp on the overall unit in 2015.
The good news? The Tigers have planned ahead.
Two upperclassmen D.J. Reader and Shaq Lawson will finally get their times to shine. Both heavily focused on as heirs to the Beasley/Jarrett throne up top, they’ll get their opportunity to make their names known in the ACC. Big names are gone, but little production looks to be lost in the grand scheme of things.
The Bottom Line
It’s very difficult to examine the Tigers current roster and project anything other than an ACC winning, “knocking on the door” type of team.
All is set up nicely — including the schedule — for success early and often.
If Watson stays healthy and the front-7 succeeds in stride, it could be a nice season for the fans in South Carolina.