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Clemson Football: Freshmen Defenders Looking For Playing Time

By Shawn Spencer

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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; The Clemson Tigers run onto the field before playing against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; The Clemson Tigers run onto the field before playing against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Xavier Kelly

Which Clemson freshman has the best chance of starting this season on the defensive side of the ball?

You very well could make an argument for Xavier Kelly.

Kelly has been extremely impressive thus far in fall camp and is getting plenty of attention from the Clemson football coaching staff.

"“We knew Xavier would be where he needed to be physically when he got here in June, said Dabo Swinney. “But you always wonder about the mental aspect because our defensive ends don’t just show up and put their hand on the ground. It is a complicated system. But, he has given us confirmation that he is ready for our system.”"

Not only have the coaches been impressed with Xavier Kelly’s physical build and abilities, but they have been pleased with his comprehension of the defense thus far.

That mental ability will go a long way into getting early playing time for Xavier Kelly and you can be sure that if any of the veterans begin struggling he very well could get a look at a starting position.

Nonetheless, Kelly will get a good amount of playing time at defensive end and should be able to prove his ability on the field sooner rather than later.

Next: Isaiah Simmons

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