Clemson’s preseason depth chart is set. Here it is, with 3 takeaways
Clemson released its preseason depth chart for the 2020 season Thursday afternoon ahead of the first workout of preseason camp later in the evening.
Here are three takeaways for the Tigers, who were ranked No. 1 in the preseason coaches poll released Thursday.
1. Braden Galloway listed as starting tight end
Clemson needs more playmaking ability from the tight end position and it is turning to Braden Galloway to get it. The junior is listed as the starter at tight end ahead of returning started J.C. Chalk. Galloway did not play last season until the College Football Playoff after being suspended for ostarine. He had a pair of catches for 60 yards in the national title game against LSU.
2. Derion Kendrick listed as co-starter
The Rock Hill native was named All-ACC last season but is listed as a co-starter alongside LeAnthony Williams heading into 2019. Andrew Booth and Mario Goodrich are also listed as co-starters at the other cornerback position. Kendrick switched from receiver to cornerback prior to the 2019 season and finished with 51 tackles, three tackles for loss, six pass break-ups and a pair of interceptions while starting all 15 games last year.
3. Receiver positions getting worked out
With Justyn Ross out for the year, Joseph Ngata is slated to move into Clemson’s starting 9-man role. The position has produced stars over the past several years, including Tee Higgins in 2019. Ngata is being backed up by true freshman E.J. Williams, who Dabo Swinney compared to Ross during spring workouts. Amari Rodgers is Clemson’s starting slot receiver, as expected, and will be backed up by Brannon Spector. Frank Ladson and Cornell Powell are listed as co-starters at the outside position opposite Ngata.
Here is the full depth chart:
OFFENSE
QB - Trevor Lawrence (Taisun Phommachanh, D.J. Uiagalelei)
RB – Travis Etienne (Lyn-J Dixon, Darien Rencher or Chez Mellusi or Michel Dukes)
WR - Joseph Ngata (E.J. Williams)
WR - Frank Ladson or Cornell Powell
WR – Amari Rodgers (Brannon Spector, Will Swinney)
TE - Braden Galloway (Davis Allen or J.C. Chalk)
LT - Jackson Carman (Mithcell Mayes or Walker Parks)
LG - Matt Bockhorst (Hunter Rayburn or Bryn Tucker)
C - Cade Stewart (Mason Trotter or Hunter Rayburn, Trent Howard)
RG – Will Putnam or Blake Vinson (Tayquon Johnson)
RT - Jordan McFadden (Paul Tchio or John Williams)
DEFENSE
DE - Justin Foster (Myles Murphy, Greg Williams)
DT - Tyler Davis (Ruke Orhorhoro, Bryan Bresee)
DT - Jordan Williams (Darnell Jefferies, Etinosa Reuben)
DE - Xavier Thomas or K.J. Henry (Justin Mascoll)
SLB/NB – Mike Jones Jr. (Trenton Simpson or Tyler Venables)
MLB – James Skalski (Jake Venables, Kane Patterson)
WLB - Baylon Spector (Keith Maguire, LaVonta Bentley)
CB – Derion Kendrick or LeAnthony Williams (Sheridan Jones)
SS – Lannden Zanders (Ray Thornton or Jalyn Phillips)
FS – Nolan Turner (Joseph Charleston, Jalyn Phillips)
CB – Andrew Booth or Mario Goodrich (Fred Davis)
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK - B.T. Potter (Jonathan Weitz)
P - Will Spiers (Aidan Swanson)
KO - B.T. Potter (Jonathan Weitz)
LS - Jack Maddox (Tyler Brown)
H - Will Swinney (Will Spiers)
PR - Derion Kendrick or Amari Rodgers
KR - Joseph Ngata or Travis Etienne
