Clemson football released its depth chart for the Furman game to open the season Monday. Here are our early thoughts, analysis and reactions.
2018 Clemson football game week is finally here.
After months of waiting without football, we can finally say that all of Tiger nation will be gathering in Death Valley to kick off the upcoming season this Saturday.
With it being game week, Clemson football released the team’s depth chart for the Furman game. The coaching staff has made sure to say that the depth chart is only for the Furman game and that it is subject to change.
Here are our thoughts and analysis for Week One’s depth chart.
Freshmen Ascending
One of the first things I notice is the freshmen ascending up the depth chart. Jackson Carman is now listed as the sole backup at left tackle behind Mitch Hyatt. Justyn Ross, who wasn’t even on campus for spring, is listed as a co-backup behind Tee Higgins with Diondre Overton at that boundary spot.
The two freshmen defensive ends—Xavier Thomas and KJ Henry—did not ascend up the depth chart as I thought they would. I think that says more about the depth the Tigers have at DE than them and I’d expect them to quickly make steps forward as they get into games and prove themselves.
Kyler McMichael is listed as the backup for Trayvon Mullen and BT Potter is the kickoff specialist, as well as second-string placekicker.
No Surprise at QB
Kelly Bryant is listed as the starter at quarterback and Trevor Lawrence is second-string. Chase Brice is third. There’s not really much of a surprise there. We all knew that Bryant would be listed as the starter and it was proven when the depth chart was released.
A Few Position Switches
Trevion Thompson, who was at boundary receiver, moved to the slot behind Hunter Renfrow. Xavier Kelly, originally a defensive end, is now a defensive tackle on the depth chart.
Tre Lamar is back as the starter at MLB and Kendall Joseph the starter at WLB. In addition to a few position switches, Adam Choice is currently listed as the second-string running back ahead of Tavien Feaster.
To view the full depth chart, click here.
Make sure you check back into Rubbing the Rock for more updates, analysis and coverage of Clemson football heading into the Tigers’ match up with Furman this Saturday.