Bubbles set to rise on Clemson’s depth chart

Culling the Clemson roster and rewriting the depth chart began with the scrimmage Friday in Death Valley, said coach Dabo Swinney after morning practice.

By this time next week, Swinney should know “who’s definitely going to play, who’s on the bubble – there will be several guys probably on the bubble – and who we’re going to redshirt, if possible.”

Two areas requiring a long look are inside linebacker and kicker.

B.J. Goodson and Ben Boulware bring experience at linebacker, but Swinney said there’s a “huge gap” between them and the next tier. Redshirt freshman Kendall Joseph sustained a shoulder injury the second day of camp but responded quickly and should be ready to advance, Swinney said. Otherwise, “We’re nowhere near game-ready at that position.”

Walk-on Greg Huegel has a slight advantage on Alex Spence in the battle at kicker, created in June when Ammon Lakip was suspended after DUI and drug possession charges. Swinney said the competition could continue up to the opener. Several freshmen are slated for prominent roles on Sept. 5.

“We’re going to play the best players,” Swinney said. “If it’s even, yeah, we’re going to play the veteran. You’ve got a little more experience, a little more invested, but at the end of the day it’s the best guy.”

Receivers Ray Ray McCloud and Deon Cain are going to play. McCloud seemed to make the transition easier, said co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott, practicing as if the pace hasn’t been a distraction.

“He looks very natural out there,” Scott said. Cain “has shown flashes.”

Offensive linemen Mitch Hyatt and Nick Fruhmorgen should have prominent roles, with Hyatt projected to start at left tackle for the Wofford game. Swinney said Jalen Williams could enter the mix at linebacker.

Conditioning seems to have allowed the team to push through the heat and humidity and practice at a brisk pace, and the injuries have been generally minimal.

“Guys have really pushed through well. (These) are the dog days of camp,” Swinney said.

Losing safety/linebacker Korrin Wiggins for the season to knee injury was difficult, but Travis Blanks, Dorian O’Daniel and T.J. Burrell offer depth, experience and proficiency.

Receiver Mike Williams should miss a little more time after a hamstring injury during Thursday’s scrimmage, and Ryan Norton was back in the saddle at center after missing time after sustaining a concussion. Jay Guillermo, who replaced Norton, and Justin Falcinelli will continue to work at both center and guard. Guillermo missed spring practice and is working into shape. Swinney likened Falcinelli to a “brawler” with a defensive player’s attitude.

Though the season hinges largely on quarterback Deshaun Watson, there’s no doubt in Swinney’s mind “that we can win for sure” with backup Nick Schuessler as well.

“Nick has done a nice job,” Swinney said. “He took that step back in the spring and hasn’t disappointed us in camp.”

Swinney also believes freshman Kelly Bryant could be pressed into duty in an emergency. “He’s not ready for everything right now.”

“So, we’re ready to play, ready to cut them loose and react to whatever situation arises,” Swinney said of Friday’s scrimmage.

“We’ve got two big practice days Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday will be a day off for them as they start school, then Thursday is another big scrimmage,” he said. “Thursday is when we’ll start getting zeroed in on who’s definitely going to play.

“Friday and Saturday we’ll do some season work. Then, on Monday, it will be all Wofford.”