Clemson Football: Positional grades vs. Kent State

Running backs: A

I tried to find a reason not to give the running backs an A and I couldn’t. This was a solid performance by Clemson on all fronts. Nearly every position group had an outstanding game.

The Tigers have four legitimate options at running back in CJ Fuller, Adam Choice, Tavien Feaster and Travis Etienne Jr. All four were given at least four carries in Clemson’s blowout victory. In total, Clemson rushed for 353 yards, the most since their 2015 Playoff matchup with Oklahoma.

The most impressive part of Clemson’s ground game was their explosive runs. Both Feaster and Etienne Jr. averaged at least 10 yards per carry, with Fuller and Choice averaging 7.3 yards and 5.0 yards respectively.

The Tigers’ running backs were also strong in pass protection, giving up zero sacks on the day. This is a good sign as pass pro was a worry for Feaster and Etienne Jr. early on in fall camp. If those two youngsters can protect Kelly Bryant, that increases the amount snaps they will see, which will inevitably increase their productivity.