Front Porch FootballClemson 2021 Season Preview
by Brendan Paschal
As primarily an SEC writer, I think I’ve already given Tiger fans enough reasons to turn them against me. But unlike my co-writers, friends, and brother, I don’t hate Clemson. Do I find their fans obnoxious when they decide to prove to everyone they know how to spell C-L-E-M-S-O-N at every public event they attend? Yes. But I digress. I admire the success Swinney has produced and the culture he has created. If you’re a Tiger fan, please read this preview knowing I hold zero animosity towards your program and have tried to write this with an impartial eye… And if you’re an SEC fan, just drink some Pepto-Bismol and look at this as a scouting report for a team that will lose to an SEC member in the College Football Playoff.
Introduction
Dabo Swinney has elevated Clemson to a level of football success never before experienced in the state of South Carolina. Clemson is one of the three current “S-Tier” programs in college football. Along with Alabama and Ohio State, they have dominated recent college football history when it comes to wins, recruiting, playoff appearances, and national championships.
What separates Alabama from Clemson, and Nick Saban from Dabo Swinney, is that Alabama is a viable contender for a national championship every year, whereas Clemson will still be a 10-win team (and make the playoff) every year but doesn’t always feel like a championship-caliber team every year. Don’t get me wrong, they are still very much in the category of “reloading” instead of “rebuilding,” but we still see these tiny cycles of upperclassmen leaving for the NFL and inexperienced underclassmen being slid into roles they’re not quite ready for. For example, Alabama could lose their strong safety to the draft one year, but behind him are a bunch of 4-stars waiting their turn. Clemson isn’t quite there when it comes to recruiting (no one else is, either), which is why the talent on the roster in a given year can be amazing and yet not feel like a championship team. In 2019, I couldn’t point to enough flaws on the depth chart to explain why it felt to me like it was going to be a “rebuilding year” by Clemson standards, but it did. My gut says 2021 will be another one.
The Tigers lost most of their 2020 offensive production to the NFL but have plenty of young, elite talent ready to step into the vacancies. On the defensive side of the ball, they return 9 out of 11 defensive starters from last year, three of whom received All-Americans honors. Look for any questions heading into Week 1 to be answered quickly (one way or the other) as they face Georgia in Charlotte in one of the most highly anticipated opening weekend games in recent history.
Offense
This offense has the potential to put up big numbers but gives me pause when looking at it as a whole. Although they return 6 of their 11 starters on offense, the 5 who departed were responsible for the majority of their offensive production last season, along with important leadership on the offensive line. The good news for the Tigers is that there are seniors and super-seniors littered throughout this offense who should help the underclassmen navigate the season. But offensive coordinator Tony Elliot will need young players to step up if Clemson is to continue its dominance of the ACC.
Departed Starters
Trevor Lawrence – QB – NFL
Travis Etienne – RB – NFL
Amari Rodgers – WR – NFL
Cornell Powell – WR – NFL
Jackson Carman – LT – NFL
Quarterback
Nobody can replace a quarterback who never lost a regular season game in his collegiate career and left with a 34-2 record. Trevor Lawrence was a generational talent, and finding the right player to take his spot seems like an impossible task. But sophomore D.J. Uiagalelei (6-4, 250) is up for the challenge. Uiagalelei made two starts as a true freshman (Boston College and Notre Dame) when Lawrence was out due to Covid protocols.
He showcased his NFL-caliber arm strength, exceptional accuracy, pocket awareness, knowledge of the offense, and ability to work through his progressions. In his 9 game appearances, Uiagalelei completed 78 of his 117 passing attempts for 914 yards and 5 touchdowns, without throwing a single interception. As a true freshman, he made smart choices (sometimes to the point of overcautiousness), but that could have just as easily been the result of conservative play calls from Elliot. I anticipate Uiagalelei will make a jump from his freshman performances and be given more control of the offense than last year. Just don’t expect Lawrence-type numbers quite yet.
Behind Uiagalelei will be an even tougher name to pronounce, in redshirt sophomore Taisun Phommachanh (6-3, 220). As a consensus 4-star recruit in the 2018 class, he was also ranked as the number-one recruit in the state of Connecticut and 166th-best overall prospect (according to ESPN). Despite Phommachanh’s high recruiting profile, he has yet to receive any significant playing time in college. True freshman Will Taylor (5-10, 175) is currently listed as a QB/WR on Clemson’s official roster, but Swinney has stated that he wants Taylor to make the full transition to wide receiver.
Running Back
Travis Etienne departs after a highly decorated career in orange and purple. He proved his endurance and durability in taking the lion’s share of touches out of the backfield last year, rushing 168 times for 914 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. Now that he’s gone, there is significantly less confidence in the running back room. Losing their second-highest rusher, Trevor Lawrence (68 attempts for 203 yards and 8 touchdowns), also doesn’t help . Senior Lyn-J Dixon (5-20, 195) returns after spending his entire career backing up a man who never seemed to tire. Last year, Dixon carried the ball only 42 times for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns, even though he appeared in all 10 games. The scary part is Dixon is the most experienced running back by far.
Behind Dixon is sophomore Kobe Pace, who closed out 2020 with 18 rushing attempts for 75 yards. With a less-mobile quarterback in the pocket, Clemson desperately needs the run game to be established through their halfbacks, something I don’t feel too confident about, based on what Dixon and Pace have shown so far.
This is where true freshman Will Shipley (5-11, 200) enters the equation. The Charlotte-area native is a five-star running back (according to 247Sports) and has elite talent to make an immediate impact. Shipley has a knack for finding opportunities in the backfield by making himself small through the hole; he also has a knack for bouncing off defenders. Furthermore, Shipley has experience in the slot position and catching the football out of the backfield (something Elliot loves in his RBs). But his most impressive attribute might be his straight-line speed. Coaches have been impressed with Shipley since his early enrollment in January and have him getting first-team reps. Expect those reps to increase as the season progresses.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Clemson’s top three receivers, who were responsible for approximately 60% of the Tigers’ 2020 offensive production, are now playing for NFL teams. Amari Rodgers made 77 receptions for 1,020 yards and 7 touchdowns last year, while Cornell Powell averaged 16.6 yards per catch, finishing with 53 receptions for 882 yards and 7 more touchdowns. Etienne added another 48 receptions out of the backfield, for 588 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns.
Good news for Clemson is Justyn Ross (6-4, 205) returns after missing 2020 due to neck and spinal surgery. The redshirt junior has produced in both of his years on the field (46 receptions for 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2018, and 66 receptions for 865 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2019). He is known for his big-yardage plays and ability to catch the ball in traffic. But after a year-long hiatus, Ross must re-establish himself as the top receiver.
E.J. Williams (6-3, 190) had a respectable freshman campaign in 2020, with 24 receptions for 306 yards and 2 touchdowns. While he showed flashes of impressive athleticism, his number will be called more frequently as a sophomore, and he will need to prove he is a dependable receiver in the open field.
There are two juniors who have been nothing short of disappointing thus far. Frank Ladson Jr. (6-3 205) and Joseph Ngata (6-3, 220) both entered Clemson in 2018 as five-star recruits and were expected to make an immediate impact. However, both suffered the injury bug throughout 2020 and struggled to find a rhythm. This receiving corps needs these two to remain healthy and catch fire.
Senior Braden Galloway (6-4, 240) and junior Davis Allen (6-6, 250) return as a formidable duo at tight end. Galloway is the returning leader in offensive production, with 27 receptions for 369 yards and 2 touchdowns. Meanwhile Allen’s size turned him into a red zone specialist last season, with 4 touchdowns. Both can block off the edge and have soft hands in the passing game. With more uncertainty about this year’s wide receivers, look for Uiagalelei to trust in his reliable tight ends more than Lawrence did.
Offensive Line
Last year, the offensive line was most responsible for Clemson’s blowout loss to Ohio State. They couldn’t move anyone off the line of scrimmage and were tossed around in the passing game (especially inside). This was a young group last year that had dominated every inferior defensive line they had faced leading up to the Ohio State game. But the Buckeyes revealed all the chinks in their armor, weaknesses that need to be addressed in 2021.
The tackle positions are the most solid. Redshirt junior Jordan McFadden (6-2, 300) will move from his right tackle position, which he started all of last season, to protect Uiagalelei’s blindside at left tackle. Sophomore Walker Parks (6-5, 295) will step into the vacant right tackle position. Although Parks did not start for the majority of the season, he saw plenty of action in nine games, which was enough for him to receive freshman All-American honors. Next to Parks at right guard will be junior Will Putnam (6-4, 300), who started all 12 games last season.
The center and left guard positions are the two in question here. Sixth-year senior Matt Bockhurst (6-4, 315) will start at one of them. He has seen action in over 40 games and started at guard all last year. This is where it gets interesting, though. Reports out of Clemson mention how much coaches love true freshman Marcus Tate (6-5, 290), who has a strong motor and quick hands. But Tate is a guard. But even if he were a center, it is never ideal to thrust a true freshman into that leadership role, especially when there is a super-senior who is quite capable. Meanwhile, Mason Trotter (6-2, 280) is a redshirt sophomore who started at center in 9 games last season. He underperformed at times against tougher interior linemen and even struggled to get the ball back to the quarterback. Trotter was the weakest link on the line last year, and defenses keyed on him, so if Tate is ready in week 1 to start at left guard, expect Bockhurst to slide to center and kick Trotter out of the starting rotation.
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Defense
Last year’s defense was great by national standards, good by top-25 standards, and mediocre by Brent Venables’ standards. They finished 18th out of 128 FBS teams in opponent scoring average (20.2) and averaged forcing 1.9 turnovers per game. Throughout most of the 2020 season, this defense looked disciplined and flew around the field. But they definitely struggled in the passing game and were tossed around up-front in their two losses. This defense enters 2021 with a chip on its shoulder, after allowing Ohio State to impose its will in all aspects of the game.
Much like Barry Odom, Venable’s defensive scheme is some sort-of hybrid version of a 4-2-5. However, it isn’t the traditional version where there are 4 down linemen, 2 linebackers, and 5 defensive backs. Instead Venables likes player fluidity (and his players are athletic enough) to blur the traditional roles among his players. In addition, he’s constantly bringing guys on-and-off the field to maximize the success of his defensive package.
Departed Starters
Mike Jones Jr. – LB – Transfer to LSU
Derion Kendrick – DB – Transfer to Georgia
Defensive Line
This defensive line has the potential to be one of the best in the country. Besides the regular season Notre Dame matchup and the Ohio State playoff game, this defensive line was stout against the run. They held half of their opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards in 2020 and finished 14th in the nation in total rushing yards allowed per game (112.7). Their pass rush was also one of the top in the country, as they tied for most sacks (46) and finished second in tackles for loss (109).
On the inside returns junior Tyler Davis (6-2, 300), who could be the next NFL product coming out of Clemson. He finished last season with 14 tackles (5 for loss) and 2 sacks, while splitting double teams all year. With Davis grabbing opposing offenses’ attention, Bryan Bresee (6-5, 300) was freed up to wreak havoc in the backfield. In his freshman campaign, Bresee accumulated 23 tackles (6.5 for loss) and 4 sacks. Now with opponents having significant film on him, Bresee’s stats might take a hit, but that will mean he’s opening up opportunities for other playmakers by eating up blocks. Redshirt sophomore Ruke Orhorhoro (6-4, 295) and redshirt freshman Tre Williams (6-2, 300) will provide the depth inside as they look to expand their roles.
The edges are full of speed, as both of 2020’s starters return. Sophomore Myles Murphy (6-5, 275) is back, along with third-year player K.J. Henry, who is technically a redshirt junior eligibility-wise but has already graduated in three years and is now enrolled in graduate school (so I’m not sure how to label him). Murphy flew off the edge, accumulating 37 tackles (10.5 for loss), 4 sacks, 1 pass defended, and 3 forced fumbles as a true freshman. Meanwhile Henry (6-4, 255) is more of a buck position and can play defensive end or linebacker. He looks to build on a successful 2020, when he accrued 23 tackles (6.0 for loss), 3 sacks, 2 passes defended, and 1 fumble recovery.
While these two excelled last year, they will have to split playing time with senior Xavier Thomas (6-2, 270) and redshirt senior Justin Foster (6-2, 275). While Thomas battled Covid protocols much of last season, he did find success when he was on the field, making 6 tackles (4 for loss), 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in just 5 game appearances. Meanwhile, Justin Foster sat out all season, but he returns with an uncanny ability to get into the backfield. In 2019, Foster finished second on the team in tackles for loss (11.5).
Linebacker
The linebacking corps returns several veterans to the 2021 roster. Fifth-year senior Baylon Spector (6-0, 230) and sixth-year senior James Skalski (6-4, 230) are the two who will see the most action. Spector led the defense in tackles (64), tackles for loss (10.5), and sacks (4.5) while also adding a pass defended, a forced fumble, and fumble recovery. He thrives in the weakside linebacker spot and is a threat off the edge or in pass coverage. Meanwhile, Skalski returns in the middle for his final season as a team captain after posting 34 tackles (2 for a loss), 1 sack, 2 pass breakups, and 1 fumble recovery for a touchdown. These two bring knowledge, experience, and play-making ability that few other teams have. Together, they have coined themselves as the “Bruise Brothers.”
This defense can no longer rely on Mike Jones Jr. as a quality rotation afer he transferred to LSU in the offseason. But they do have redshirt junior (and Brent’s son) Jake Venables (6-2, 235) and junior Kane Patterson (6-1, 225) returning after seeing the field last year. Venables is used more often in obvious passing situations, while Patterson will try to fill the void Jones left. True freshman Barrett Carter (6-1, 220) could be used in 3-4 packages as the strong-side backer, but he needs to prove he can be trusted to play disciplined football before being placed consistently into the rotation.
Secondary
Clemson’s secondary was its Achilles’ heel last year. They let Wake Forest pass the ball for nearly 300 yards in the 2020 season opener. Boston College almost snuck out a win in Death Valley because Clemson’s secondary made the wrong reads. And in their last 5 games, the Tigers allowed 269.2 passing yards per game. There was a “bend, don’t break mentality” last year, and for the record, that mentality is a losing one. Cornerbacks and safeties need to be the cockiest players on the field, with a greedy mindset. If you concede on 5-yard gains, what else are you going to concede on? Much like their offensive line, however, this secondary was fairly young last season, and they return almost everyone.
One exception is Derion Kendrick, who parted ways with Clemson in March. Although the school never specified the reasoning, he was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a gun and simple possession of marijuana (now expunged) around the same time as his departure. Kendrick is now with Georgia and will likely start at cornerback week 1.
Besides Kendrick, Clemson returns four experienced corners. Junior Andrew Booth, Jr. (6-0, 195) appeared in 10 games last year, with 27 tackles (3 for loss), 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups, 1 fumble, and 1 touchdown. Opposite Booth should be a pair of sophomores, Fred Davis II (6-0, 185) and Malcolm Greene (5-11, 190). Green wrapped up his freshman year with 16 tackles (1.5 sacks), 1 interception, and 2 broken-up passes, while Davis accumulated 13 tackles and 2 interceptions. They both benefit from Kendrick’s departure and should split playing time.
Senior Mario Goodrich (6-0, 190) brings maturity and big-play ability when healthy (7 game appearances in 2020, with 13 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 broken up pass, and 1 fumble recovery). These corners were riddled with minor injuries in the spring but should be fully healthy in September. True freshman Nate Wiggins (6-2, 175) enrolled early and made his presence known by leading the team in interceptions this past spring.
Safety returns two stars in junior Lannden Zanders (6-1, 200) and sixth-year senior Nolan Turner (6-1, 205). Turner racked up 53 tackles (6 for loss), 3 interceptions, and 2 broken-up passes. His performance earned him second-team All-American status from the American Football Coaches Association. He is versatile enough to play at either safety position, which gives Venables a luxury few coaches have. Junior Lannden Zanders (6-1, 200) will get the start at strong safety, after accumulating 25 tackles (2.5 for loss), 1 sack, 1 broken up pass, and 1 forced fumble in 10 appearances last year. When junior Joseph Charleston (6-0, 190) checks into the game, it will be at free safety. He finished 2020 with 44 tackles (2 for loss) and 2 broken up passes.
Sophomore Trenton Simpson (6-3, 225) will start at nickelback but is closer to a strong-side linebacker. He looks to build on his strong true freshman campaign (28 tackles, 6.5 for loss, 4 sacks, and a forced fumble). If the Tigers need to bolster their pass coverage, look for Greene to step in at nickel. Sophomore (and another of Brent’s sons) Tyler Venables (5-10, 200) and true freshman Barrett Carter (6-1, 220) will provide depth at nickel as well.
Special Teams
Senior B.T. Potter (5-10, 180) returns to his starting role at kicker. He finished 2020 with a 78.3% completion rate and tied his career long with a 52-yard field goal. Will Spiers enters his sixth-year as Clemson’s punter and, according to their official website he already holds the record for most starts by a punter (56), career punts (211), punts downed inside the 20 (81), and total punting yards (9,483). Justyn Ross, Lyn-J Dixon, and Kobe Pace all have some experience in the return game, but don’t be surprised if Will Shipley assumes the role as returner.
Impact Players
- D.J. Uiagalelei – QB – Experts have placed Uiagalelei on their preseason Heisman watch lists, which would typically be bold for a quarterback with a grand total of two starts under his belt. But Uiagalelei has the talent to make it into the top 5 at the end of the season.
- Justyn Ross – WR – For all the Heisman talk, Uiagalelei won’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell if his receivers don’t help him. Ross returns and will play a crucial role in this offense’s success.
- Will Shipley – RB – In case you couldn’t tell already, I am extremely high on this young man. He has the talent to achieve freshman All-American status, but only time will tell if coaches trust him early enough in the season for him to play a leading role all year.
- Nolan Turner – Safety – Not only does Turner bring an abundance of experience and knowledge to this defense, he offers tremendous versatility. This gives the secondary the flexibility to shift players around, creating confusing looks and favorable match-ups against opposing offenses.
- Baylon Spector & James Skalski – LB – The Bruise Brothers are a dynamic one-two punch. With their vast knowledge of the defense, Venables can mix in complex schemes that younger players would struggle to comprehend.
Schedule
Sept. 4 — vs. Georgia (Charlotte)
Sept. 11 — vs. South Carolina State
Sept. 18 — vs. Georgia Tech
Sept. 25 — at NC State
Oct. 2 — vs. Boston College
Oct. 9 — BYE
Oct. 15 — at Syracuse
Oct. 23 — at Pittsburgh
Oct. 30 — vs. Florida State
Nov. 6 — at Louisville
Nov. 13 — vs. Connecticut
Nov. 20 — vs. Wake Forest
Nov. 27 — at South Carolina
Conclusion
Every year, Clemson gets a wake-up call at some point in the regular season. Whether it’s getting upset at Syracuse or playing Boston College close at home, Clemson always seems to get lulled to sleep against inferior opponents and get challenged in games they should dominate. This year should be different, however, because that wake up call will be in Week 1. Veteran players have mentioned how they were physically dominated against Ohio State, and how one of their main off-season goals is to work on their physicality. Well, it will certainly be tested against Georgia. The Dawgs pride themselves as a program who can impose its will on both sides of the ball. The game will come down to who controls the line of scrimmage, and if Clemson’s interior offensive line can’t handle Georgia’s Jordan Davis (6-6, 340), they’re in for a long day.
After a rocky start to the season, Clemson goes on a rampage proving they are a top-tier program, while Swinney once again complains about the lack of respect his team receives from the national media. I anticipate a Clemson vs North Carolina ACC Championship matchup between two high-powered offenses.
