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Clemson Football: 6 Burning Questions heading into the 2019 Spring Game

By Shawn Spencer

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 15: A general view of Clemson Memorial Stadium prior to the start of the Clemson Tigers' football game against the Georgia Southern Eagles on September 15, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 15: A general view of Clemson Memorial Stadium prior to the start of the Clemson Tigers' football game against the Georgia Southern Eagles on September 15, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 09: Linebacker Shaq Smith #5 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 (not pictured) threw a 2-yard game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Hunter Renfrow #13 (not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game 35-31 at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 09: Linebacker Shaq Smith #5 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 (not pictured) threw a 2-yard game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Hunter Renfrow #13 (not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game 35-31 at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

5. Do the linebackers look ready?

Last season, Clemson had Kendall Joseph, Isaiah Simmons and Tre Lamar all returning as starters at linebacker. Behind them, the Tigers had the Davis twins.

Now, that depth and experience is going to be tested.

Simmons returns at that nickel/SAM position, but the other two spots are completely open. It’s believed that Jamie Skalski (MLB) and Shaq Smith (WLB) are the favorites to win the starting jobs, but I’m interested in seeing just how good those guys are in the spring game.

How do they read the offense? Are they disciplined in defending RPOs? Between Skalski, Smith, Mike Jones Jr., Chad Smith, Baylon Spector and Jake Venables- in addition to the plethora of freshmen coming in- there is plenty of talent, but that talent has to develop.

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