2nd “IN”stallment
For the second installation, we shall review what Scout.com has to contribute to the ongoing media blitz over the 2007 Clemson Tiger Football team.**
First let’s look at the offense, who seem to be continuing on their previous development paths. Cullen Harper, the current #1 QB, continues to separate himself from the rest of the pack with his performance in both of the previous scrimmages. Harper is stated to have crisp, sharp passes that are always on target and has been hitting his targets in stride…..remember that one of his targets is the fastest man on earth: Jacoby Ford. So if he can hit Jacoby in motion, I would say that he has precision beyond that of the past years position holder. Harper also has the ability to bomb the ball without the floats and flutters of last year. Harpers performance has raised some eyebrows to the fact that last years lead QB stayed in the position for so long. the QB battle continues to be downplayed by the coaches but, by all eyewitness accounts, Korn will be the second in command come FSU.
Moving on to the running backs, all eyes are on Ray Ray who is easing concerns with his daily improvement in his new position. Along with the previous weeks performance, Ray Ray took 7 carries for 28 yards and a few TD’s on the goal line. James and C.J. are pleased to see Ray Ray making the transition as well as he is but the coaches don’t see Ray Ray playing that much unless the other two get injured. This may be easier for opponents than in the past as Spence is playing James and C.J. in multiple formations such as split back , I and even playing C.J. in the QB position similar to that of Arkansas last year. This will lead to a lot of excitement for the Tigers on the ground, but what about the air?
Aaron Kelly continues to step up in the WR position and has made his point clear: He wants the ball. Not much has been mentioned over the rest of the WR squad, but hey, Grisham, Taylor, Ford and the rest have proven themselves worthy over the past seasons. If Spence DOES spread the playbook as previously mentioned, these guys will definitely have their work cut out for them. Plus they have Willy Korn’s favorite target, Xavier Dye in the lineup as well.
Now onto the defense, starting with the continual jaw dropping performance of Rashaad Jackson. Jackson continues to demolish the offensive line, so well in fact that the coaches joked about giving him the day off so that they could get some positive work done. The linebackers remained off the media blitz this weekend, which is disappointing to me as Tremaine Billie, Antonio Clay and the boys looked to be an anchor for the D at the end of last year. The secondary is proving to be a dangerous group picking off passes like fruit from a tree. DeAndre McDaniel, who Scout claims to be the “Spring Surprise”, now has 3 picks along with Crezdon “The Pick” Butler’s 3 for the spring. DeAndre is like a bloodhound on the ball and hunts people down with the presicion and detonation of a missile according to Koenning. Koenning has so much faith and appreciation for McDaniels abilities that he lets him roam free in the secondary, similar to the freedom that he is giving Antonio Clay in the flats. Oh yeah, and remember, McDaniel may be a runner up in the Safety position behind returning starters Clemmons and Hamlin….scary huh? Along with Butler at CB, Chris Chancellor and Byron Maxwell are improving and growing into their positions as well.
One final note: The kicking squad seems to be on a roller coaster. Saturday, Richard Jackson missed 3 of 4 attempts with the one bouncing off the uprights. Given that the weather was pretty miserable, the ball was not in the best condition for kicking. The following practice, he made every one. Punting seems to be consistent across the board though, with Maners booming kicks like it was nothing.
**All items in this article are observations made from reading the “IN” sections of Scout.com, nothing has been plagiarized or quoted directly.
Good update.
However, from that, I can’t figure out why being “In” is good.
[...] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptHarpers performance has raised some eyebrows to the fact that last years lead QB stayed in the position for so long. the QB battle continues to be downplayed by the coaches but, by all eyewitness accounts, Korn will be the second in … [...]
Broken, just more to read in the time that I should be productive! Just wish someone would start talking about the offensive line and what is being done to replace all the seniors. Mrs. Clem brought up that point last night and I responded that with splitback formations and mobile quarterbacks there will just have to be ALOT more motion in the backfield.