Rubbing the Rock
Fansided

Clemson Football releases depth chart vs. Kent State: Defensive Analysis

By Shawn Spencer

CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 22: Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play during the game against the Georgia State Panthers at Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Smith/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 22: Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play during the game against the Georgia State Panthers at Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Clemson football released its’ official depth chart for the Kent State game. Here is the analysis of the defensive side of the ball heading into week 1.

The 2017 Clemson football depth chart for the Kent State game was released today.

We gave you our analysis of the offensive side of the ball, now let’s take a look at the defensive side of the ball.

You can see the entire official depth chart here, via ClemsonTigers.com.

Let’s take a look at the position groups for Brent Venables’ defense.

Defensive End:

The starters at this position come at no surprise.

Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant take the two end spots, but what concerns me is the depth behind them.

Right now, in the two deep, are Logan Rudolph and Chris Register. Xavier Kelly is nowhere to be listed on the depth chart and that, to me, is shocking.

Justin Foster is listed as the third-string guy for Clemson football.

Overall, this position will be fine, but the two and three-deep guys are going to need to step up.

Defensive Tackle:

The best duo in the nation make up Clemson football’s starting defensive tackle group. Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence will take the field for the Tigers and, trust me, Kent State’s offensive line is already stressed out.

Behind Lawrence is Jabril Robinson and then Nyles Pinckney and behind Wilkins is Albert Huggins. I’d expect to see Huggins get some playing time early and I also think you may see Wilkins move back out to defensive end, at least for a little while if the depth at end does prove to be an issue.

Linebacker:

Here’s the starters at linebacker:

MLB- Tre Lamar

WLB- Kendall Joseph

SLB- Dorian O’Daniel

Judah Davis and Chad Smith back up Lamar while Jamie Skalski and J.D. Davis are behind Joseph. Jalen Williams is behind Dorian O’Daniel.

More from Rubbing the Rock

What’s interesting here is that Shaq Smith is not listed. I’m not sure what to make of that. I do know that he was suffering from a hamstring injury and maybe that’s what it is.

If not, it’s really disappointing to see that he’s not listed in the two-deep. We’ll have to wait and see when Dabo Swinney’s press conference comes tomorrow.

Defensive Back:

Ryan Carter and Marcus Edmond both will start at cornerback for Clemson football.

Mark Fields and Amir Trapp are listed as co-backups for Edmond. Trayvon Mullen is No. 2 and A.J. Terrell is No. 3 behind Carter.

At safety, Van Smith and Tanner Muse will take on those two starting spots while Ryan Carter will also play the nickel back position.

This depth chart is telling me something about Mark Fields.

Fields was expected to be a starter and he is now listed as a co-backup behind Marcus Edmond. That means when Ryan Carter moves to nickel back, Trayvon Mullen will come on the field. Not Mark Fields.

That tells me that Mullen and, possibly, A.J. Terrell have surpassed Mark Fields at cornerback. He will have a chance to prove himself on the field, but it seems, at least for now, that he has fallen behind and will be a second-string player this season.

Next: Clemson heavily favored over Kent State

What do you think about the defensive side of the ball, Clemson football fans? Are you surprised about Shaq Smith, Xavier Kelly, or Mark Fields? Comment below!

Home/Clemson Football