Clemson Football: Lineman to lead the Tigers in 2017

Since Dabo Swinney took over as head coach in 2008, the Clemson football program has been headlined by it’s skill position players. In 2017 the Tigers’ leadership will literally come from the inside.

Leadership comes in many different shapes and sizes. It just so happens that the Clemson football program has had strong leadership come from it’s skill positions over the past few seasons.

In 2009, running back C.J. Spiller was the leader in Death Valley; from 2012-2014 star-quarterback, Tajh Boyd led the way for the Tigers; and most recently Deshaun Watson and Ben Boulware were the unquestioned leaders at Clemson.

Coming into the 2017 season, Clemson is loaded at wide receiver once again. Headlining the group is junior-to-be, Deon Cain, followed by Hunter Renfrow and Ray-Ray McCloud. The Tigers also have a plethora of talent at linebacker and in the secondary. Despite the wealth of skill on the perimeter, this Clemson team is revered for it’s prowess along the line of scrimmage.

If games are truly won and lost in the trenches, than Clemson has the talent to go toe-to-toe with just about anybody in the country entering 2017. On the offensive side of the ball, Clemson’s big boys will be led by redshirt senior guard, Tyrone Crowder and junior tackle, Mitch Hyatt. Both certainly have NFL futures, it’s simply a matter of when they get there.

Defensively, the Tigers have arguably the best front seven in the country. With a defensive line comprised of Austin Bryant, Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence and Clelin Ferrell, Clemson looks like a developmental NFL team.

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With their more firey, outspoken personalities, Wilkins and Ferrell appear equipped to replace the direction that was lost when Ben Boulware departed for the NFL. Motivation will not be a problem for this Tigers’ defense in 2017.

Clemson’s season in 2017 will come down to their play at the line of scrimmage. If the Tigers open up holes in the running game and do a good job in pass protection, the offense will put up points regardless who the starting quarterback is.