Upon further review: The highs and lows of Clemson’s spring game
Takeaways from the Orange’s 17-9 victory over the White squad in Saturday’s spring finale at Memorial Stadium:
1. Don’t read too much into it
The teams were evenly split, so players who hadn’t lined up together all spring were trying to communicate and make plays. Guys who will never see a snap in the fall got a lot of reps, and the first-team offense didn’t go against first-team defense.
That doesn’t mean there weren’t important teaching moments and player evaluations, but what occurred Saturday isn’t too much of a harbinger for the 2016 season.
2. Youth movement
While there’s not a definitive depth chart set, it’s clear there will be a ton of young talent being called upon. In the spring game, over 60 freshmen or sophomores suited up.
The first-team offense lost just three starters, but there are several offensive linemen who have a lot to prove at a physical position that demands players to be ready to go at any moment.
Defense is where youth is the biggest concern. Coordinator Brent Venables said this spring he doesn’t have his entire roster yet, meaning some of the incoming freshmen class will have to contribute right away to help a rebuilt secondary. That doesn’t mean Clemson won’t be successful in the fall, but the Tigers need those young players to be ready to take that next step.
3. Tigers possess winning attitude
Coach Dabo Swinney raved about his team’s chemistry, and it appears most players are on the same page. Getting within a touchdown of winning the national title will do that to a squad, and that was evident during the spring game in competition.
The receivers and defensive backs really battled in one-on-one situations. There wasn’t much holding back up front as whoever was on the line really went at it. Kick returns and punt returns were live, so special teams got put in very game-like situations.
4. Player of the game
The spring game is all about doing something in limited opportunities, and receiver Trevion Thompson did just that with 87 yards on six receptions.
For a receiver looking to take the next step and join the likes of Artavis Scott, Mike Williams and Hunter Renfrow in the upper echelon of Tiger pass catchers, Thompson was reliable Saturday and flashed some play-making ability. He didn’t have a touchdown, but showed the kind of progress to his coaches that could earn him some early-season playing time.
This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 10:51 PM with the headline "Upon further review: The highs and lows of Clemson’s spring game."