Rubbing the Rock
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5 players that are key to Clemson’s title hopes

By Anthony Messenger

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 /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kenyan Drake (17) runs with the ball against Clemson Tigers cornerback Cordrea Tankersley (25) during the 2016 CFP National Championship at U. of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kenyan Drake (17) runs with the ball against Clemson Tigers cornerback Cordrea Tankersley (25) during the 2016 CFP National Championship at U. of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Cordrea Tankersley

Clemson’s secondary was embarrassed by Pittsburgh and Nathan Peterman. Peterman threw for 308 yards and 5 touchdowns. Cordrea Tankersley was beat in coverage multiple times in the Tigers loss.

Cordrea Tankersley is key to Clemson’s National Championship hopes because he is the Tigers best cover corner. Tankersley could have easily left early for the NFL draft after last season, but, he chose to come back and finish what he started.

Moving forward, Tankersley needs to play his best football. Clemson could potentially face some of the best wide receivers in the country including, Isaiah Ford, Bucky Hodges, Calvin Ridley, and Curtis Samuel. Cordrea Tankersley will likely be line up against majority of those elite wide recievers.

The Tigers secondary has been good in coverage all year considering their lack of experience coming into the season. Clemson ranks 21st in passing defense, allowing just 192.29 yards per game. Tankersley has been key to the Tigers success in pass coverage.

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