Clemson Football Update: Tigers name starters, position battle leaders
Clemson football named starters for the Kent State game at several key positions and also gave leaders at several position battles on Thursday.
Clemson football named several starters for the season opener against Kent State next Saturday and there were little surprises.
The coaches met with the media after practice on Tuesday to talk about the upcoming match up with the Golden Flashes and it seems they have their lineup in place to begin the season.
Let’s get started with what Dabo Swinney had to say about the starters via Tigernet.com.
Running Back:
C.J. Fuller will be the starter for Game 1. He will take the field first and then we will see the other guys. It seems that Tavien Feaster and Adam Choice are both still battling for the second-string position and that decision may not be made until next week when the depth chart is released, most likely on Tuesday.
Freshman Travis Etienne, as we have discussed, has also placed his name in the hat.
He will get some snaps at some point and I wouldn’t be surprised for him to surpass Choice at some point this season if he gets a fair shake out of the gate.
Personally, I’m still of the opinion that Feaster will win that position before it’s all said and done, but the tie goes to the veteran and Fuller has a bit more experience than the true-sophomore.
Tight End:
Milan Richard will be the starter for the season-opener at tight end.
More from Rubbing the Rock
- Clemson Football: Q&A with Florida State experts at Chop Chat
- Clemson Tigers News: New commitments, Ian Schieffelin and Jonathan Weitz
- Clemson Football needs their biggest stars to shine against Florida State
- Clemson Football: Receiver by committee could work for the Tigers
- No reason for Clemson Football to fear a Seminole takeover
There’s little surprise here. Ever since Garrett Williams went out with the injury, it’s been widely believed that Richard would be the starter here.
Right Tackle:
Tremayne Anchrum and Sean Pollard are still battling it out at this position and both will see playing time.
If the season started today, Anchrum would be the starter, though.
If I had to guess, I would bet that you will Anchrum first and then Pollard will be rotated in at some point next Saturday.
Wide Receiver:
The three starters at this position are fairly obvious.
You will see Deon Cain, Ray-Ray McCloud, and Hunter Renfrow, but behind them is a little surprise.
Freshman Amari Rodgers, redshirt freshman T.J. Chase, and sophomore Cornell Powell are holding the second-string positions as of right now.
Obviously, you will still see Tee Higgins, but it seems the freshman has not beaten Cornell Powell at that boundary position. Others left off that list are Diondre Overton and Trevion Thompson, both of which were four and five-star recruits.
Next: Analysis: The Secret Weapon of the Defensive Line
What do you think, Clemson football fans? Are you surprised by any of these developments? Comment below!