It appears as though a team we had highly regarded going into next year, will not be as loaded as previously thought. With the news today that Clemson will be losing wide receiver Aaron Kelly, running back James Davis and defensive end stalwart Phillip Merling to the NFL, their stock has to take a hit. Luckily for them (none of the three are very well regarded) and for us (our pre pre-season team rankings won’t be posted until January 16th) they still have time to change their mind and reevaluate their options before January 16th comes around.
The Tigers still have a lot of quality players returning to their program though and junior running back C.J. Spiller is ready to carry the load if needed next season. Cullen Harper, their senior quarterback will return for his senior season, as will safety Michael Hamlin and defensive tackle Dorell Scott, all of whom will be big parts of Clemson’s run for an ACC title next season.
The Tigers are also bringing in one of the country’s most highly regarded recruits in defensive lineman Daquan Bowers, who could step in right away and compete for a job on the defensive line. Scout.com has Bowers ranked 6th in their hot 100 this winter.
Whatever happens, the Tigers will still be one of the most dangerous teams in the ACC this fall and with the wide open nature of the conference, look out.Labels: Clemson, early entry |
