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Clemson Football: Bama will key-in on Hunter Renfrow on 3rd down

By Shawn Spencer

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Jalen Elliott #21 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish tackles Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Clemson Tigers after a catch in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Jalen Elliott #21 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish tackles Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Clemson Tigers after a catch in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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One of Clemson football’s top weapons is wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. Alabama will try to take him away, especially on third downs.

Hunter Renfrow is one of the top weapons for Clemson football on offense.

Renfrow is a guy that has been the safety blanket for three Tiger quarterbacks in his career from Deshaun Watson to Kelly Bryant to Trevor Lawrence.

He has the ability to catch anything throw in his general vicinity and does a great job continuing to be that consistent option needed to continue pushing the offense forward.

Renfrow doesn’t score a lot of touchdowns, but he makes plays that lead to touchdowns. He makes huge grabs on 3rd down and seven. It’s those type of plays that Nick Saban recognizes as the difference in a win and a loss to Clemson.

Last year, the Alabama Crimson Tide completely focused in on Renfrow and his play-making ability.

As a matter of fact, Saban actually had times where he’d double-team Renfrow, especially on 3rd. Alabama will do that again this year, but they may not have as much success with it this time.

Why?

  1. The Clemson WR corp is better
  2. The Alabama defensive backfield is not as good

Last year, the Crimson Tide had an NFL-caliber defensive backfield. While they have plenty of talent, there’s not as much experience, talent or depth as last year.

In addition, if you choose to double team or key in on Hunter Renfrow, that’s going to leave Justyn Ross or Tee Higgins on an island. That’s not good news for the Crimson Tide.

Next. Early Observations vs. Alabama Crimson Tide. dark

If you leave Ross or Higgins in one-on-one coverage, they’re going to exploit you more times than not. We’re not talking about Deon Cain or Ray-Ray McCloud this time. The Tigers have more explosive offense and weapons this time around and that very well may be the difference.

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