Clemson Football Analysis: 5 Areas the Tigers must improve in 2018

3. Skill Position Physicality

An area that Clemson football severely lacked in 2017 was physicality from the skill position players.

It really showed in the Alabama game.

Wide receivers just weren’t getting open because they weren’t physical enough to go up against those Alabama defensive backs. Deon Cain, Ray Ray McCloud and some of the younger guys just weren’t ready for that caliber of opponent.

In 2016, you had guys that were physically prepared for NFL-caliber DBs like Mike Williams, Artavis Scott, and Jordan Leggett. Those guys being able to pose a true threat to the Crimson Tide gave Hunter Renfrow a chance to work his magic in the slot.

For Clemson to have success against a team like Alabama, they’re going to need the skill position guys- players like Tee Higgins, Amari Rodgers, Diondre Overton, Cornell Powell, and Trevion Thompson- to step up and match the intensity level.