Blue Ribbon Preview: Clemson

ABOUT

By leading Clemson to the 2011 ACC title, head coach Dabo Swinney received an automatic pay raise of more than $400,000. Swinney told the university to distribute the bulk of that incentive among his assistant coaches.

Swinney, who holds an MBA and was a former real estate developer, considers such a move an investment in the long-term future of the program.

"I have a goal of building this program into a national champion and being a top-10 program year in and year out," Swinney said. "That's my goal, and you're only as good as the staff you surround yourself with. It's a competitive market out there these days.

"I don't think you're going to see guys leave here for more money. That's how committed I am to where we need to be from a staff salary structure standpoint."

Swinney's bank balance probably won't miss the $265,000 spread among his staff members. After the Tigers pulled off their first 10-win season and ACC title in two decades, Clemson extended his contract and gave him a raise that increased his base salary to the cusp of $2 million annually and will keep Swinney at Death Valley through the end of the 2017 campaign. Pretty impressive, considering Swinney first got the job on an interim basis after Clemson fired Tommy Bowden at the midpoint of the 2008 season.

"Usually when an interim coach is put in place, it's usually not because things are going great," said Swinney, who has led Clemson to a pair of Atlantic Division titles. "When you look back at where we were, and where we are now, in three years we have accomplished a lot of things that haven't been done here in a long time."

Clemson could have made even more history if not for a late-season fade. The Tigers went into November with an 8-0 record and the No. 5 spot in the national rankings. Given how the BCS standings ended up, Clemson had a shot at becoming the first ACC team in 11 years to compete for the national championship. Instead, the Tigers lost three of their final four regular-season games  followed by an ugly 70-33 blowout at the hands of West Virginia in the Orange Bowl.

One week after the bowl, Clemson announced Kevin Steele's exit as defensive coordinator -- Steele said he was fired, while the school insisted he resigned. Regardless, it looked like the bowl loss was what ran off Steele. But Clemson battled defensive issues all season long. The Tigers surrendered at least 30 points in half of their 14 games, and the 394 yards per game allowed was the team's worst total-defense average since 2001.

Brent Venables stepped in to replace Steele after spending the previous eight seasons as Oklahoma's defensive coordinator. He faces the task of rebuilding the confidence of a unit whose pride was roughed up against West Virginia. Swinney said it helps that the coaching staff instructs players not to dwell on past events -- whether they're good or bad.

"That's why, when you get in your car, the windshield is as big as it is and the rear-view mirror is real small," Swinney said. "It's important what's behind you and what you've gone through & it's much more important what's in front of you."

It's full-speed ahead on the offense where, in his first campaign as coordinator, Chad Morris orchestrated an attack that set single-season team records for points, touchdowns, total offense and passing offense. All that earned Morris a pay hike last December; he now pulls down $1.3 million, making him the highest paid assistant in college football.

Individually, Clemson produced an All-American in freshman receiver Sammy Watkins while quarterback Tahj Boyd set the ACC single-season record for touchdown passes.

THE STAFF

Head Coach: Dabo Swinney (Alabama '93)
Record at School: 29-19 (4 years)
Career Record: 29-19 (4 years)

Assistants

• Dan Brooks (Western Carolina '76) Associate Head Coach/Defensive Line
• Danny Pearman (Clemson '97) Assistant Head Coach/Tight Ends
• Chad Morris (Texas A&M '92) Offensive Coordinator/QBs
• Brent Venables (Kansas State '92) Defensive Coordinator/LBs
• Charlie Harbison (Gardner-Webb '96) Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs
• Marion Hobby (Tennessee '96) Co-Coordinator of Run Game / Defensive Ends
• Robbie Caldwell (Furman '77) Offensive Line
• Tony Elliott (Clemson '02) Running Backs
• Jeff Scott (Clemson '03) Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator

QUARTERBACKS

Harvey White. That's the last Clemson sophomore quarterback to earn first-team All-ACC honors -- way back in 1957 -- before junior Tahj Boyd (6-1, 225) matched that accomplishment last season. In addition to setting the league record for TD passes in a season, Boyd led the ACC in total offense per game, average passing yards and total completions. White was also the last Clemson QB to lead the league in passing offense and total offense before Boyd matched that double.

Those stats are impressive, but Boyd was far from perfect during his first go-around as the starter. He threw as many interceptions as touchdowns -- nine each -- while Clemson went 2-4 down the stretch. Contrast that with his performance in the Tigers' first eight games, when he threw for 24 TDs against just three picks.

Suffice it to say Boyd worked on ball security this spring. Playing consistent football was also as a major emphasis. The incumbent starter went into the summer trying to get below 220 pounds by the time the season starts on Sept. 1. He tipped the scales at 240-plus last fall. Shedding weight should help Boyd improve upon the 218 yards and five touchdowns he tallied on the ground.

The competition for backup duty should be interesting this preseason  and not because sophomore Cole Stoudt (6-4, 200) and incoming freshman Chad Kelly (6-3, 209) got into a squabble over Twitter earlier this year. Stoudt held the No. 2 spot on the post-spring depth chart despite struggling terribly in the first two weeks of spring ball. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Morgan Roberts (6-2, 200) showed great improvement, completing 14-of-24 passes for 150 yards in the spring game. Redshirt freshman Tony McNeal (6-0, 195) looked to be in the mix until he tore his ACL on the final play of the spring game.

Kelly, from Saint Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, N.Y., holds the distinction of being the first quarterback personally recruited by Morris to run his offense. The nephew of Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and a four-time winner of the National Punt, Pass & Kick competition, Kelly generated almost 4,000 yards of total offense his senior year in high school. ESPN rated him a four-star recruit and the No. 4 QB in the country.

If Kelly redshirts, he'd have a shot to be the starter for three years -- or four, should Boyd decide to go pro early.

RUNNING BACKS

Senior Andre Ellington (5-10, 190) came within a whisker of entering the NFL Draft after racking up 1,178 yards and 11 touchdowns and earning second-team All-ACC honors. His return made Clemson one of just three programs that enter 2012 with a returning 3,000-yard passer (Boyd), 1,000-yard rusher (Ellington) and 1,000-yard receiver (Watkins).

Look for the Tigers to find different ways to get Ellington the ball in 2012. Clemson made a visit to Nevada to study the Wolf Pack's Pistol formation. Ellington's sure to get his share of tosses and sweeps out of that alignment, but the Tigers also might try some power plays from the Pistol. He's 10th all-time in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, entering his final season 1,612 yards shy of the Clemson career rushing record.

Mike Bellamy, the most accomplished back on the roster besides Ellington, has been ruled academically ineligible and won't return to the team. His exit elevated sophomore D.J. Howard (5-11, 195) and junior Roderick McDowell (5-9, 190) on the depth chart. Howard averaged 5.6 yards per carry as a true freshman. McDowell, one of the top running back prospects in the 2009 class, played only 44 snaps last season but was the most improved player at the position in the spring.

Freshman Zac Brooks (6-2, 180) enrolled in January and went through spring drills. Whenever he sees the field, he'll become the first signee from the state of Arkansas to play at Clemson. He's a four-star recruit as rated by ESPN. Junior Darrell Smith (6-2, 245) is the only fullback listed on the 2012 roster. The Clemson offense uses a lead blocker only in short-yardage and red-zone situations. Otherwise, Smith will line up as a hybrid H-back/tight end.

RECEIVERS

The status of sophomore Sammy Watkins, Clemson's most explosive offensive weapon and arguably the best skill-position player in the ACC, remains uncertain heading into the new season. Watkins (6-1, 200) was arrested in May on misdemeanor drug charges. Swinney had not decided how much game time his star wideout would miss as part of the in-house punishment for that arrest.

"A lot of that depends on how Sammy handles himself this summer. He's got a process that he's dealing with," Swinney said. "I've got a high end, from a discipline standpoint, and I've got a low end. What I actually decide to do, a lot of that depends on how he responds. So far he's been tremendous in how he's responded and taking ownership and learning a lesson from a mistake."

Watkins did apply for pre-trial diversion in late May to have the arrest expunged from his record.

Watkins' impact and ability on the field is undeniable. In 2011, he shattered every ACC single-season receiving record for a freshman, reaping 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns through the air on 82 total catches. Watkins also earned a spot on The Associated Press' All-American first team, joining Herschel Walker and Adrian Peterson as the only true freshmen to receive that honor.

Even if Watkins sits out multiple games as part of Swinney's disciplinary decision, Clemson's receiving corps is full of proven playmakers. Junior DeAndre Hopkins (6-1, 200) is the best of the rest. Nicknamed "Nuke," Hopkins enters 2012 as the only receiver in ACC history to tally at least 50 catches in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. Half that total came in Clemson's final four games while Watkins drew increased defensive attention. Hopkins also finished just shy of the 1,000-yard receiving milestone. Swinney thought Hopkins was the team MVP of spring practice. He added size and power during offseason workouts and should combine with Watkins to provide the most formidable 1-2 punch at receiver in the conference  if not the nation.

Fifth-year senior Jaron Brown (6-2, 200) came out of spring drills earmarked as the starter at Clemson's third receiver position. He was one of four Tigers to amass 30-plus catches last season.

Adam Humphries (6-0, 190) backs up Watkins. Martavis Bryant (6-5, 205), one of the fastest players on the squad, and Charone Peake (6-3, 205) joined Humphries on the second unit on the post-spring depth chart. All three are sophomores.

"Those guys are as advertised and are on their way to being special players in their own right," Swinney said. Sammy was not your typical freshman. Those guys were more normal  very talented guys, but more your typical freshmen that kind of adjust in that first year. This spring, it just really showed with their confidence and how far they've improved."

Don't sleep on the potential of Germone Hopper (6-0, 170), a versatile true freshman who worked as a receiver, running back and kickoff returner at Berry Academy in Charlotte, N.C. He's yet another ESPN four-star recruit who was rated the No. 13 receiver in the nation.

At tight end, Clemson definitely will miss Dwayne Allen, a consensus first-team All-American and winner of the John Mackey Award. But Swinney thinks highly of fifth-year senior Brandon Ford (6-4, 235), Allen's successor. Ford has strong ball skills for the position; a wide receiver in high school, his 1,702 yards as a senior in 2007 was the third-highest total in the country that year. He does need to add more bulk before the season begins, with a target weight of at least 245 pounds. "Nobody's talking about Brandon right now, but I think, come December, they will be if he stays healthy," Swinney said.

Sophomore Sam Cooper (6-4, 240) is the only other tight end on the roster with previous experience, though it consists of just 54 snaps. Two redshirt freshmen, Eric Mac Lain (6-4, 265) and Stanton Seckinger (6-5, 200), provide additional depth.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Clemson lost five senior linemen who combined for 142 career starts. Thus, it's a new era up front for the Tigers, with an abundance of playing time available.

Junior Tyler Shatley (6-3, 295) already had the rep of being the strongest player on the team, so the coaching staff decided to capitalize on that power and move Shatley from defensive tackle to offensive guard. Although he hadn't played offensive line since his Pee Wee League days, the experiment worked wonders and Shatley entered the summer atop the depth chart at right guard.

"I tell you, it's changed our football team," Swinney said. "You would never know this guy has not played offensive line. Just a natural."

Junior Brandon Thomas (6-3, 300) also had an outstanding spring, and appears set to take over as the starting left tackle. He's the only tackle on the roster with significant collegiate experience, seeing time at tackle and guard in 2011 with 10 starts.

"When we recruited him, we thought he had the potential to be a special player," Swinney said. "I think the light has kind of come on for him. He finally has emerged into the kind of player we thought he could be."

Sophomore Gifford Timothy (6-6, 315) exited spring leading the way at right tackle. Weight problems limited sophomore Kalon Davis to 49 snaps last season, but that's still the highest play total of any of this year's candidates at guard. Now in better shape, Davis (6-5, 335) is earmarked to start at left guard.

The only mainstay in the lineup is incumbent center Dalton Freeman, also the sole senior offensive lineman on the roster. A first-team All-ACC performer and finalist for the Rimington Award, Freeman (6-5, 285) immediately claimed a leadership role in this group by organizing multiple meetings every week throughout the spring semester. A four-year starter, Freeman played 1,044 snaps last season -- a school record -- and carries a streak of 36 straight starts into his senior year.

Two sophomores, David Beasley (6-4, 315) and Reid Webster (6-4, 295), came out of spring practice as the second-string guards. The rest of the candidates up front on scholarship are either redshirt freshmen  such as tackles Shaq Anthony (6-4, 275) and Joe Gore (6-6, 260), guard Spencer Region (6-4, 370) and center Ryan Norton (6-3, 265)  or true freshmen. Four of the incoming rookies enrolled in January. Isaiah Battle (6-7, 265) performed the best of that quartet, obviously benefiting from his post-graduate season at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy to compete with Anthony for reps at left tackle behind Thomas.

Expect the two-deep up front to remain in flux throughout preseason camp -- especially at right tackle, where Gore could supplant Timothy.

"Where we finished spring doesn't necessarily mean that's where we go this season," Swinney said.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Youth springs eternal on the defensive front, where there's one senior -- end Malliciah Goodman -- and zero juniors.

Goodman (6-4, 280) went into the summer working to become a more vocal leader of this young position group, and also trying to slim down to at least 270 pounds by the time Clemson kicks off its season against Auburn. He played 767 snaps in 2011  a team record for a defensive lineman  and could see an even greater workload given the dearth of experience around him.

Swinney is excited about the potential of the sizable contingent of sophomores up front. One of them, Corey Crawford (6-5, 280), is tabbed to step in as the other starting end spot last held by Andre Branch, who led the ACC in sacks last season. Crawford has the height and burst to be a formidable pass rusher. Other players in the mix include sophomore Vic Beasley (6-3, 235), an erstwhile tight end; Rod Byers (6-3, 275), a redshirt freshman; and true freshman Kevin Dodd (6-5, 280). Also watch out for freshman Shaq Lawson (6-3, 240), a coveted in-state signee who ESPN rated among the top 20 end prospects in the country.

There's a logjam at the two defensive tackle spots heading into fall camp. Grady Jarrett and Tavaris Barnes are vying for the starting job at nose guard. Meanwhile, DeShawn Williams and Josh Watson are in a dead heat at the 3-technique. All four are sophomores.

Williams (6-1, 290) is Clemson's most seasoned interior lineman, playing in every game last season. Watson (6-4, 290), the headliner of the 2010 recruiting class, was one of the most improved players on defense this spring. The nephew of future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis, Jarrett (6-0, 295) had a big effort in the spring game, notching two sacks as part of a six-tackle day. Barnes (6-4, 270) is still learning how to be an every-down tackle at this level and also needs to add more size. Barnes also might move to end to provide another quality option behind Goodman and Crawford.

Sophomore Tra Thomas (6-0, 290) and redshirt freshman Jerome Maybank (6-4, 345) are also vying for reps at tackle.

LINEBACKERS

Venables takes over coaching the linebackers in addition to his duties overseeing the entire defense. All three starters return, but the configuration of the 2012 linebacking corps will look very different.

Sophomore Stephone Anthony (6-3, 235), for example, takes over as the Tigers' primary middle linebacker. After showing promise during a freshman season highlighted by a huge forced fumble in the ACC title game against Virginia Tech, Anthony replaces senior Corico Hawkins (5-11, 230), a two-year starter who moved to the weak side this spring.

"He looks like he's ready to go be the great player we recruited him to be," Swinney said of Anthony, the top-rated outside linebacker prospect in the 2011 class according to ESPN.

Junior Quandon Christian (6-2, 220) returns as the starter at strong-side linebacker but faces some formidable competition to retain his job. Freshman Travis Blanks (6-1, 195), an early enrollee, was an All-American safety at North Florida Christian High in Tallahassee and showed tremendous potential during the spring. Venables' defense pulls the strong-side linebacker when it goes to its nickel coverage. When that happens, Blanks -- rated by ESPN as a four-star recruit and the No. 2 safety in the nation  is a safe bet to be the fifth defensive back on the field.

Sophomore Lateek Townsend (6-2, 215) was a special teams standout in 2011 who needs to become more consistent if he wants to be part of the regular defensive rotation.

Seniors Jonathan "Tig" Willard (6-2, 220) and Hawkins went into fall camp in a dead heat for the starting job at weak-side linebacker. Willard started 11 games at that spot last season, but he received some serious competition when Venables moved Hawkins. Combined, the two veterans have tallied 282 tackles in their career. Junior Justin Parker (6-1, 225) could play inside or outside linebacker in this system. Sophomore Tony Steward (6-1, 245) was a member of the ESPN 150 in 2011, but he missed spring drills while recovering from his second ACL tear in as many years. If his recuperation proves slow, Steward could be a candidate to redshirt. Junior Spencer Shuey (6-3, 250) and redshirt freshman B.J. Goodson (6-1, 235) are competing behind Anthony at middle linebacker.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Three seniors anchor the back end of the defense -- Rashard Hall (6-1, 210), Xavier Brewer (5-11, 190) and Jonathan Meeks (6-1, 210).

Hall missed spring practice because of a knee injury that he battled throughout last season. Even while playing hurt, he led the team with 89 tackles. It's usually a bad thing for a defense when a safety is the most productive tackler, so if Hall's numbers drop it means the collective defense has improved. Still, the four-year starter should be one of Clemson's leaders on that side of the ball.

Meeks showed good instincts and athleticism this spring after making a team-high three interceptions as part of eight passes defended in 2011. He also notched 61 tackles. Brewer got the bulk of the work at free safety during the spring while Hall was out. He can play corner or safety and will see the field often when Clemson goes to its nickel and dime coverages.

At cornerback, three playerssophomore Bashaud Breeland, and juniors Darius Robinson and Martin Jenkinsstand a cut above the rest.

"Those are three corners I think we can line up and win with," Swinney said.

Robinson (5-11, 170) made major strides this spring and is the best bet to replace NFL draft pick Coty Sensabaugh as Clemson's lockdown corner. Breeland (6-0, 185) played in every game in 2011 as a redshirt freshman, logging seven starts. Jenkins (5-9, 175), like Brewer, is versatile and can play any position in the defensive backfield. He may also be the fastest guy in the secondary.

Redshirt freshman Cortez Davis (6-3, 195), another option at corner, has the size to prevent opponents from picking on the Tigers with taller receivers.

Sophomores Robert Smith (5-11, 210) and Garry Peters (5-11, 190), in addition to the rookie Blanks, all are possibilities at safety. Swinney wouldn't be surprised to see another true freshman or two enter the mix somewhere in the secondary.

SPECIAL TEAMS

An 89-yard kickoff return highlighted a scintillating debut season for Watkins as Clemson's primary kickoff returner. He averaged 25.0 yards per attempt as a returner, and his 826 total return yards helped garner him the first-team spot on the AP's All-America team as the all-purpose player.

Watkins is also a strong candidate for punt return duty in 2012, but someone else will have to fill both roles if Watkins is suspended for an entire game or more. Hopkins is a possibility, as is Bryant. Ellington was a significant contributor in the return game in 2010 and could return to that mix in order to appear more versatile to NFL scouts.

Coverage units should be solid with the Tigers bringing back their three leading special teams tacklers: Shuey, Townsend and Darrell Smith. Clemson also returns both its deep snappers, junior Phillip Fajgenbaum (6-0, 220) and sophomore Michael Sobeski (6-2, 195). Benton should remain the holder.

KICKERS

After winning the kicking job in 2010 as an unheralded redshirt freshman, junior Chandler Catanzaro (6-2, 200) went into last season with more confidence, and it showed in the results. Catanzaro generated 118 points, leading the ACC and setting a team record.

In the process, Catanzaro went 22 of 27 on field goals, making nine of his 12 tries from 40-plus yards. A 2011 second-team All-ACC pick, Catanzaro should remain one of the most effective offensive weapons at Swinney's disposal.

Redshirt freshman Ammon Lakip (5-10, 185) came out of spring drills as Catanzaro's backup.

PUNTERS

There's a definite void at punter, where three-year starter and former Ray Guy semifinalist Dawson Zimmerman must be replaced. Zimmerman ranked fourth in the ACC and 40th in the FBS last season with his 41.8-yard average.

Fifth-year senior Spencer Benton (6-2, 195) came out of spring practice ahead of early enrollee Bradley Pinion (6-5, 220) on the depth chart. Benton has been Clemson's kickoff man since his redshirt freshman year in 2009 but has attempted only two punts in live action.

The smart money is on Pinion winning this job. The true freshman won ESPN All-American honors as a high-school senior, and was rated by ESPN as the third-best kicker in the nation.

NEWCOMERS

After assembling the eighth-best recruiting class in the nation according to ESPN in 2011, Clemson's latest class received the No. 10 spot in the 2012 rankings. A year ago, that influx of talent led to a major shakeup in the depth chart during spring practice. It also led Clemson to play 29 freshmen -- true and redshirt players combined -- in 2011, tied for the most in the FBS.

Swinney doesn't expect as much two-deep turmoil this August. The Tigers signed a smaller class -- 20 players as opposed to 27 in 2011 -- and eight of the new recruits went through spring practice.

"I could certainly see a few of those guys jumping into our two-deep," Swinney said. "We may have a few come in and help us from a backup standpoint."

All 20 of Clemson's new arrivals were rated as at least three-star recruits by ESPN. The Tigers' recent success in the NFL draft certainly will help future recruiting efforts. Clemson had four guys selected in the first 115 picks of this year's draft. Only BCS champion Alabama had more.

The official 2012 class does not include Kellen Jones, a linebacker at Oklahoma who transferred to Clemson in April and will be eligible in 2013.

BLUE RIBBON ANALYSIS

It won't be easy for the Tigers to match their success from last season. The non-conference docket starts with a neutral-site rematch with Auburn at the Georgia Dome, in addition to the annual rivalry clash with South Carolina.

Clemson also has to face Virginia Tech, which will be looking for revenge after losing to the Tigers twice last year, and must travel to Florida State.

It's also still a young squad, with only 11 scholarship seniors on the roster.

Failing to reach double-digit wins or return to the ACC title game might be seen as a disappointment by Clemson diehards, but there's no denying Swinney has this program on the cusp of something special. The highly-rated recruiting classes in 2011 and 2012 should continue to bear fruit, and with Swinney locked up through 2017 and major facility upgrades on the way, the Tigers should continue to attract top-flight talent.

"I think we're looking at one of the best decades in Clemson football history," Swinney said.