New year, same Dabo Swinney. While he and his Clemson staff are hoping this season goes better than the last, Swinney will once again not release a depth chart ahead of Week 1's non-conference road game at LSU.
It may be gamesmanship, it may be stubbornness, it may be a combination of both. Either way, the only player Swinney said will be a Week 1 starter is quarterback Christopher Vizzina. Swinney was facing a great deal of pressure to name one heading into Saturday. The good news is there are a few obvious starters, even if Swinney has yet to name them. As for the others, we shall see.
Here is who all could start at each respective position group for Clemson heading into Week 1.
Offense
Quarterback
- Starter: Christopher Vizzina
- Reserves: Tait Reynolds, Trent Pearman, Brock Bradley, Colson Brown
Even if Swinney announced Vizzina as the Week 1 starter, there is a halfway decent chance we may see Tait Reynolds play some. The talented true freshman pushed Vizzina throughout fall camp. He quickly emerged as a top-two quarterback on this depth chart, resulting in Chris Denson switching positions to wide receiver. Others might be behind Reynolds, but this is clearly a two-man position.
Running Back
- Starter: Gideon Davidson
- Reserves: Chris Johnson Jr., David Eziomume, Jarvis Green, Jay Haynes
Gideon Davidson did enough during spring practice and fall camp to earn the right to be Clemson's lead back. He will replace a highly effective Adam Randall this season. The good news is he will have a slew of excellent running backs behind him. Chris Johnson Jr. comes over from SMU as a change-of-pace back. David Eziomume, Jarvis Green, and Jay Haynes could be getting touches in this offense.
Wide Receiver
- Starters: Bryant Wesco Jr. (X), TJ Moore (Z), Tyler Brown (Slot)
- Reserves: Tristan Smith, Naeem Burroughs, Connor Salmin, Cole Turner, Juju Preston, Gordon Sellars III, Clark Sanderson, Sam Earle, Chris Denson
Two of the three starting wide receiver spots are well established with Bryant Wesco Jr. and TJ Moore starting at X and Z, respectively. Where it will get interesting is who occupies the slot. Tyler Brown may have the leg up over experience, but Naeem Burroughs is coming fast. Gordon Sellars III also had a strong training camp. Across the board, one could argue Clemson's receiving corps is its best unit.
Tight End
- Starter: Christian Bentancur
- Reserves: Olsen Patt-Henry, Logan Brooking, Tayveon Wilson, Jack Wolf
Christian Bentancur has a huge task ahead of him. He has usurped Olsen Patt-Henry on the Clemson tight end depth chart. Even though Patt-Henry is a leader on this year's team, Bentancur's talent could be fully realized by playing within the context of Chad Morris' offense. It is designed to play with tempo and get the ball out quickly. Look for both safety valves to eat in the short-to-medium game.
Offensive Line
- Starters: Brayden Jacobs (LT), Elyjah Thurmon (LG), Harris Sewell (C), Ronan O'Connell (RG), Easton Ware (RT)
- Reserves: Collin Sadler, Chapman Pendergrass, Tucker Kattus, Gavin Blanchard, Mason Wade, Ian Reed
If Clemson's receiving corps is its best unit, the Tigers' offensive line may be a close second. A front five of Brayden Jacobs, Elyjah Thurmon, Harris Sewell, Ronan O'Connell, and Easton Ware could be as good as any in the ACC. With Collin Sadler and Chapman Pendergrass expected to have roles along this offensive line as well, the unit is both strong and deep. It should serve Clemson down the line.
Defense
Defensive Line
- Starters: Andy Burburija (DT), Amare Adams (DT), Will Heldt (DE), Jaheim Lawson (DE)
- Reserves: London Merritt, Champ Thompson, Markus Strong, Darien Mayo, CJ Wesley, Devarrick Woods
For as good as the offensive line may be, Clemson's biggest weakness is its defensive line. With Vic Burley being suspended indefinitely, that puts even more pressure on junior college transfer Andy Burburija to pick up the slack. Although Will Heldt is one of the team's best overall talents, he needs somebody else along the defensive line or out on the edge to rise to the occasion with him.
Linebacker
- Starters: Sammy Brown (MLB), Jeremiah Alexander (WLB)
- Linebackers: Kobe McCloud, Drew Woodaz, Fletcher Cothran, CJ Kubah-Taylor
Clemson's linebacking corps is headlined by All-American Sammy Brown at the MIKE, with Jeremiah Alexander starting opposite him at the WILL. While Clemson's defense has been propped up by its linebacking room in recent years, it may have to play above its skis to help keep this defense afloat for Tom Allen. It may be Year 2 for him at Clemson, but his side of the ball has so much work to do.
Secondary
- Starters: Elliot Washington II (LCB), Ashton Hampton (RCB), Corian Gipson (NB), Jerome Carter III (SS), Corey Myrick (FS)
- Reserves: Misun Kelly, Kylon Griffin, Ronan Hanafin, Branden Strozier, Donovan Starr, Noah Dixon
For as weak as Clemson's secondary was a year ago, it should be better by default. Ashton Hampton is a star in the making over at cornerback. Adding Jerome Carter and Corey Myrick out of the transfer portal at both starting safety spots is a huge plus. While Elliott Washington III seems to have the other outside corner spot locked down, it could be between Corian Gipson and Misun Kelly for nickelback.
Special Teams
- Starters: Nolan Hauser (K), Jack Smith (P), Jackson Reach (LS), Clay Swinney (H), Robert Gunn III (KO), Bryant Wesco Jr. (PR), Tyler Brown (KR)
- Reserves: Charlie Reed, Gideon Davidson, Brodey Conn, Chase Byrd
Clemson's special teams will be headlined by Nolan Hauser kicking field goals and Jack Smith booming punts. While we will have Swinney's son Clay serving as the holder, let's keep an eye on the long snapper. With Holden Caspersen having exhausted all of his eligibility, it will be Jackson Reach taking over in this crucial role for the team. Clemson should have speed in the return game as well.
No matter who we think will start for Clemson in Week 1, the only person who truly knows is Swinney.
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