Clemson Football: Could Cornell Powell be transferring following 2018?

Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney told the media Tuesday that Cornell Powell could redshirt. Here’s the most likely reasons behind that decision.

Dabo Swinney, head coach of the Clemson football team, told the media at his weekly press conference Tuesday that junior wide receiver Cornell Powell could be redshirting.

Swinney did not say that the decision was final or that the program will, in fact, be redshirting Powell. He just said that the possibility is being considered.

"“He’s back and ready to go,” Swinney said via Tigernet. “He got his situation resolved. We’re actually talking about redshirting him, so we’ll see how that goes. We’ll try to get a year back on him.”"

Here’s the most likely reasons behind a Cornell Powell redshirt decision:

• His academics still aren’t where they need to be

Swinney said that Powell is back where he needs to be academically, but that still doesn’t mean that he’s where he wants to be. Perhaps the coaches are allowing him to focus on school a bit more this semester. At this point, though, that seems like the least likely option considering Swinney said his academic issues were resolved and that he was back with the team.

• Building Depth, Getting Better

Maybe Powell wants a little more time to work on his craft. Next season, the slot wide receiver role comes open with both Hunter Renfrow and Trevion Thompson graduating. Powell could very well fill that role and this would give him two years of eligibility instead of just one. He would also have a year- assuming Tee Higgins and Amari Rodgers leave after their junior season- as a redshirt senior in which he’d possibly be one of the top targets.

• Perhaps a transfer?

If Powell is not happy with his playing time, he very well may see the writing on the wall. He’s currently playing behind Rogers, who is younger than him, and Derion Kendrick- who is currently behind him- looks really good.

Powell may have expressed to the coaching staff that he wants to transfer. That wouldn’t be disclosed until later after this season most likely, but it’s certainly not something to rule out at this point.

• A position change?

Maybe Powell and the coaching staff will look at him switching to the defensive side of the ball. With Powell’s athleticism and hands, he could very well switch over and play as a defensive back. That’s what worked for T.J. Green, who is currently playing in the NFL.

I think Powell could do a very good job as a safety. If you gave him an entire offseason to prepare, he could provide good depth or maybe even compete for a starting spot if Tanner Muse or K’Von Wallace decided to leave early.

It will be interesting to see how this Cornell Powell saga plays out. He’s a very good athlete that could make an impact for Clemson football. I’d love to see him switch to the defensive side of the ball, something that he tried very shortly back in the preseason.