The quarterback position should belong to Christopher Vizzina. Vizzina has waited his turn after being a backup for three seasons. The former Top 100 recruit started against SMU last season and was solid. If he struggles, true freshman Tait Reynolds is the next man up.
The running back room will have a solid one-two punch with Gideon Davidson and SMU transfer Chris Johnson Jr. Davidson has good size, speed, and some power, while Johnson is a blur. He averaged 7.1 yards per carry last season.
The wide receiver room returns two future pros in Bryant Wesco Jr. and TJ Moore. There is plenty of other talent here as well. Tyler Brown, Cole Turner, and tight end Olsen Patt-Henry, among others, bring plenty to the table. The addition of Jaylen Brown-Wallace (D2 Wingate) provides even more depth.
The offensive line must be more consistent this season. Harris Sewell and Collin Sadler are returning starters. Clemson always recruits well to this position group, but much will be expected of young talent, with lots of freshman and sophomores on the two-deep.
The defensive line room features multiple transfers. The additions of Davarrick Woods (Texas State), CJ Wesley (Howard), Markus Strong (Oklahoma), London Merritt (Colorado), Kourtney Kelly (West Georgia), and Andy Burburija (JUCO) are massive. Will Heldt (future pro), Vic Burley, and Jahiem Lawson, among others, return.
The linebacker room returns future pro Sammy Brown. He could be the leader of this defense. He is joined by Kobe McCloud, Jeremiah Alexander, and Fletcher Cothren, among others. Expect good production from this unit.
The secondary will also feature multiple transfers. The additions of Donovan Starr (Auburn), Jerome Carter III (Old Dominion), Corey Myrick (Southern Miss), and Elliot Washington II (Penn State) are absolutely massive. As is the return of cornerback Ashton Hampton to lead this unit.
Both kicker Nolan Hauser and punter Jack Smith return as starters from last season. Both were solid. Also, both return jobs are open. Which will lead to some good competition.
Last year was supposed to be the year for the Tigers. Many, including myself, had Clemson ranked very highly (my preseason No 1). Instead, the Tigers started 3-5 and finished 7-6. Changes were made to the staff, and the portal was used more than ever. Nonetheless, this could still be a prove it year for Clemson.
