Clemson football: Lots of Tigers limited or out for spring practice

Lots of Clemson football players are limited or out for spring practice

Spring practice for the Clemson football team is officially underway and the Tigers are clearly focused on the task at hand as they begin another season.

There are some new names and new faces stepping into bigger roles and there are also some veteran returners that give this roster a nice mix.

While Clemson football fans are hoping for the Tigers to get the most out of their spring practice sessions, there are several players who will be limited or out for a portion of the time.

Dabo Swinney gave the media a rundown on the health of his program heading into spring camp and here’s a look at the Clemson players who will either be out or limited this spring so far:

• WR Justyn Ross (limited)
• S Lannden Zanders (out for spring)
• DE K.J. Henry (out for spring)
• LB Baylon Spector (out for spring)
• DL Etinosa Reuben (out for spring)
• DT DeMonte Capehart (out for the first portion of spring)
• OG Matt Bockhorst (limited)
• TE Davis Allen (limited)
• DE Justyn Foster (retiring)
• OL Blake Vinson (retiring, becoming student coach)

In addition, Swinney said some players are missing the start of spring camp due to COVID-19 protocol but did not give the list of names.

Clemson football wants to be at full-strength, but these players out will give other guys an opportunity to shine and develop

Henry, Spector and Zanders are all expected to be starters on this defense so having them out is by no means an asset. That being said, it does give some of the younger guys a chance to step up.

Vonta Bentley and Keith Maguire will get more snaps at WILL with Spector out. You’ll see more Xavier Thomas, Justin Mascoll, Myles Murphy and freshman Cade Denhoff at defensive end. Perhaps Joseph Charleston and Ray Thornton III will step up at safety during Zanders’ absence.

It will be interesting to see when DeMonte Capehart is able to get back out at full-go because we really believe he will play an important role in the depth of that defensive tackle group this fall.

As far as the limited players go, Justyn Ross shouldn’t be a surprise. He will go through drills, but won’t have any contact. Ross has a ‘big appointment’ coming up in March.

Davis Allen and Matt Bockhorst will be limited and it will be interesting to see if they’re able to transition to ‘full-go’ before the end of the spring and if they’re not what that will mean in terms of depth.