2015 Clemson Football Season: Five Burning Questions

Oct 6, 2012; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (50) celebrates after teammate Spencer Shuey (not pictured) makes a safety during the fourth quarter of the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

 Who steps up on the both the offensive and defensive lines?

Clemson has lost all of their starters on the defensive line and took a big loss when offensive tackle Isaiah Battle decided to leave the program to the NFL Supplementary Draft in the summer. Clemson needs both of these groups to be strong.

Neither one of these groups have a ton of depth, although I would argue that the defensive line has plenty of talent to step up and build that depth needed for the season. Both lines have some experienced guys that have played a ton of snaps (i.e. Eric Mac Lain, Ryan Norton, Jay Guillermo, Shaq Lawson, Carlos Watkins, D.J. Reader), but each of these groups will be relying on some of the younger underclassmen to step up and be ready to play.

On the defensive line, it would be great if guys like Clelin Ferrell and Christian Wilkins continue to impress. The defensive line needs as many bodies as they can to be able to stay fresh and maintain a nasty pass-rush.

Offensively, the line has very few bodies, but they need the likes of Mitch Hyatt, Jake Fruhmorgen, and Taylor Hearn to step up. This depth is skinny at best and have a lot of unproved bodies in the depth chart. The Tigers need these guys to step up so that Deshaun Watson will have time to sit back in the pocket and find his talented receivers.

Next: Question 2: The Freshmen.