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Clemson Football 2017: Redshirt tracker 8/13

By Anthony Messenger

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 03: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers (R) celebrates after defeating the Auburn Tigers 19-13 at Jordan Hare Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 03: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers (R) celebrates after defeating the Auburn Tigers 19-13 at Jordan Hare Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Clemson football program is a over a week into fall camp and the depth chart is still taking shape. Here’s a current look at each true freshman and their respective odds at playing in 2017.

It appears that Dabo Swinney and his staff hit on nearly every member of their 2017 recruiting class. There have been no glaring issues from any of the true freshman thus far, aside from injuries.

Freshman linebacker, Logan Rudolph may need to undergo shoulder surgery. According to Tigernet.com, Rudolph may have the surgery during the season or wait until the spring of next year.

Offensive freshman

  • Amari Rodgers has been the most impressive true freshman thus far. With injuries to Cornell Powell and Ray-Ray McCloud at the start of camp, Rodgers saw a decent amount of snaps with the No. 1 offense. Multiple players including Dorian O’Daniel were impressed with his maturity and play-making ability. Sounds like he will play in 2017.
  • Hunter Johnson is in the thick of a quarterback battle. There has been little separation among the quarterbacks thus far. Kelly Bryant may have a slight edge due to his experience in the offense. Johnson is going to play at some point this season.
  • Tee Higgins has been consistent throughout camp. He has yet to make the splash plays that everyone was anticipating, but, he is working hard to digest the playbook. With his rare athletic ability, it will be hard to keep him off of the field.

On the bubble:

  • Travis Etienne Jr., Blake Vinson

Outside looking in:

  • Matt Bockhorst, Noah DeHond, Chase Brice

Defensive freshman

Baylon Spector has been a quick study since stepping foot on campus. His physicality and

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effort have stood out to Brent Venables. He will likely be a starter on special teams this season.

Logan Rudolph has been set back due to a recent shoulder injury, however, he has been equally impressive throughout the offseason. If he is healthy enough to play, Venables will likely use him on special teams as well.

A.J. Terrell is as long and athletic as they come. While Clemson has quality depth in the secondary, Terrell has the talent to force his way onto the field in 2017.

On the bubble:

  • Justin Foster

Outside looking in:

  • LeAnthony Williams Jr., Jordan Williams

It’s important to remember that this was the first week of fall camp. As such, many of these true freshman were drowning in the playbook. It’s hard to play fast when you are unsure of your responsibility on any given play.

Next: News and notes from Clemson's first scrimmage of fall camp

Once these individuals become comfortable with the playbook, you will see them begin to let their natural ability take over. With three weeks until the season opener, the race for playing time is far from over.

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