Clemson Football: Tyler Davis standing out through first set of spring practices

Clemson football freshman defensive tackle Tyler Davis is going to be called upon to play some quality snaps in 2019. He’s standing out so far.

Tyler Davis, a 4-star DT, committed to Clemson football not too long ago and is now on campus vying for playing time.

Davis knew coming in that the Tigers would be in need of depth at defensive tackle in 2019, but the amount of snaps and reps he’s gotten in spring practice certainly has to have exceeded his expectations.

Davis is getting starter-level reps in spring because of injuries to expected starters Nyles Pinckney and Jordan Williams. When Williams and Pinckney return, though, there’s a good shot that Davis ends up competing for a spot on the two-deep.

Right now, the only defensive tackle that is seemingly ahead of him is Xavier Kelly, who just moved over to defensive tackle a little more than a year ago.

Darnell Jefferies, a redshirt freshman, is talented, but Brent Venables told the media that he wouldn’t be playing many snaps if he didn’t bulk up. Part of that is probably Venables challenging the young redshirt freshman to rise to the occasion, and the other part is Venables just being honest.

This Clemson football defensive tackle group, behind the starters, just doesn’t have much experience or depth.

Because of that, Davis is going to be counted upon to play some quality snaps this season. He’s standing out in practice, which is a good thing. The coaching staff really liked Davis’s ability as a run-stopper and potential with his quick footwork.

That’s going to continue to be on display as we see the Tigers push these young freshmen to grow up in the spring. Davis has a chance to earn big playing time in 2019.

The question is if he’ll mature enough to fit in that role before the start of fall camp.