With the recent news of Richard Yeargin’s serious car accident, Clemson is out of a reserve defensive end. Redshirt freshman, Xavier Kelly will most likely be the beneficiary of those in-game reps.
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Xavier Kelly was recently left off of Clemson’s summer depth chart, which surprised many, including myself. With his blend of size and rare athleticism, Kelly appeared to be a lock for playing time in 2017. Let’s not forget that he was a mo-ped accident away from earning significant playing time as a true freshman.
Even if Yeargin was still available to the Tigers for the 2017 season, Kelly would have likely earned his way onto the field through fall camp. With Yeargin lost for the year, Kelly will definitely play this season. As good as Austin Bryant is, he will need a breather every once in a while. Kelly is the perfect candidate to rotate in.
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At 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, Kelly is built like a power forward. One could argue that Kelly is the most athletic defensive lineman on the entire Clemson roster. Kelly is extremely explosive off of the ball and comfortable tackling in space. There is no reason why Kelly cannot be a viable rotational lineman in 2017 with his physical tools.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see fellow redshirt freshman, Lasamuel Davis earn reps in 2017 as well. Davis is a dynamic athlete with a freakish wingspan. Battling to make it onto Clemson’s two deep with make both Kelly and Davis better in the long run.
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