Nov 2, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Clemson Tigers players huddle on the field prior to start of the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Five members of the 2015 Clemson football recruiting class who could earn starting jobs as true freshmen.
Wednesday was National Signing Day 2015 and the Clemson Tigers put the finishing touches on what might have been the strongest recruiting class in program history.
Now that Signing Day is in the books, it’s time to start looking ahead to the 2015 season and thinking about which members of this highly touted Clemson football recruiting class could end up cracking the starting line-up.
We already know that Dabo Swinney has no problem with playing true freshman. Deshaun Watson and Artavis Scott are both noteworthy examples of that from last season. Swinney also alluded to the likelihood that several players from this class would see playing time during an interview on Signing Day.
At Clemson, if you are among the best players at your position, you can get on the field, even as a freshman. And given how strong this year’s crop of incoming freshman is, quite a few could meet that particular criterion.
It also helps that the Tigers have plenty of questions to answer this offseason. Clemson could face issues in the trenches next season, with several starters departing from both the offensive and defensive lines. But the coaches addressed these needs beautifully, bringing in a total of 11 linemen (seven on defense, four on offense), including a five-star prospect on each side.
With the proven talent Clemson has on offense, the Tigers should be a pretty good football team next season. But they will need to address those questions if they are going to be great. This year’s incoming recruiting class could help with that.
And don’t worry, this year’s freshman won’t just improve Clemson’s odds in the trenches. The 2015 class should also add to the Tigers’ embarrassment of riches at the skill positions and ensure that, if nothing else, Clemson football fans will see plenty of explosive plays next season.
Next: #5 - Another great freshman corner?