Clemson Football: 5 X-factors for the 2019 season

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 17: The Clemson Tigers link arms and walk toward their end zone for their traditional "face off" prior to their football game against the Duke Blue Devils at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Justyn Ross #8 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with teammates after scoring a 52-yard touchdown in the second quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 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) /

5. Derion Kendrick

Derion Kendrick made an impact as a freshman, but he’ll be stepping into a completely different role as a sophomore.

Kendrick was a talented play-maker at wide receiver that saw significant playing time as a freshman, but things changed immensely for him this spring when he was moved to cornerback. Kendrick made a name for himself as a defensive back and is now expected to be the starter opposite-side of AJ Terrell.

Kendrick’s new role certainly has him as an X-Factor on the 2019 team.

If he can play well, the Tigers could potentially have one of the best defensive backfields in the nation. Kendrick will be heavily relied upon to cover wide receivers at an elite level.

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