The Clemson football program will be counting on senior corner back, Mark Fields to bolster a thin secondary in 2018. Will Fields finally reach his potential?
Coming out of William Amos high school in Cornelius, North Carolina, Fields was a high-ranking four-star prospect. Football runs in his veins, as his father – Mark Fields Sr. – played linebacker for the New Orleans Saints.
Due to injuries and Clemson’s depth in the secondary, Fields didn’t see consistent playing time early on in his career. Coming into his senior season, the stars have finally aligned for Fields. The Tigers are thin at corner and he is fully healthy.
High Hopes
At 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, Fields compares favorably to former Tiger, Mackensie Alexander. What Fields and Alexander lack in length, they make up for in physicality and athleticism.
Brent Venables is known for his aggressive play-calling, routinely asking his defensive backs to play man-to-man. Fields has the potential to thrive in Clemson’s defensive scheme. He is comfortable in press-man and has the speed to cover down the field.
Early on in spring practice, Fields, Trayvon Mullen and AJ Terrell have been rotating at either corner position. Looking ahead to the depth chart for the fall, its likely that all three will see extended playing time in 2018.
Fields’ Potential
On his career, Fields has 32 total tackles, five tackles for loss one sack and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown.
Clearly he is lacking in proven production, however, the physical gifts are there. If healthy, I believe Fields is capable of having an All-ACC year in 2018. Clemson is known for producing late-bloomers, such as Kevin Dodd, Dorian O’Daniel and TJ Green. Fields could be the next.
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If Fields can finally live up to the high expectations set for him coming out of high school, Clemson’s defense will once again pick-up where they left off in 2017.