Monday April 23, 2007

Post Spring Analysis-DB and Special Teams; TDP

Post Spring Analysis
I only saw the team a couple of times but did speak to several who have been to every practice and scrimmage including a couple of the defensive coaches. Below is a review of the secondary and special teams from the spring:

Cornerbacks
Chancellor So, Butler So, Maxwell Fr, Lewis Jr, Gilchrist Fr, Sensabaugh Fr

Clemson has had high NFL draft picks like Justin Miller and Tye Hill at this position in recent years and it appears it is close to regaining that kind of talent in the near future. Duane Coleman and C.J. Gaddis were big, physical corners but I believe there has been a talent upgrade here with the likes of Crezdon Butler, Byron Maxwell and Marcus Gilchrist.

Chris Chancellor is an undersized corner that excels in his pass coverage. The Florida native continues to improve his strength issues and has gotten more physical each year but his specialty is his coverage skills. He has good hips and recovers well. I think he is set for another solid year to go with last year’s successful freshman season.

Crezdon Butler also played as a freshman last season but he did not red-short like Chancellor did. Butler has all of the skills you could look for in a corner. I think in a couple of years we could be talking about an NF-type player. Butler covers well but also is a physical tackler in the open field. At times he hits like a safety, I think he is a strong player who only needs more experience and playing time. Butler makes the big play but needs to become more consistent.

Byron Maxwell was one of the biggest stars of spring ball at Clemson. He would have played as a true freshman if his knee would have been fully recovered from knee surgery he had in high school. This is a huge corner that looks more like a safety but covers like a corner. Maxwell is listed as a co-starter with Butler and should see significant playing time this season. I think he will respond well and is another talent upgrade at this position for the Tigers.

If you told a coach he could have three quality corners each year most would take it and run with it but freshman sensation Marcus Gilchrist may give the Tigers a fourth. If he is as good as he looked at the Shrine Bowl he could be the most talented corner on campus very early in his career.

CAT Safety
Hamlin Jr, McDaniel Fr, Chambers So

When spring practice opened few thought there could be a position battle at the CAT safety. Michael Hamlin had been the starter there and he was very reliable. In fact, some felt like Hamlin would be future NFL prospect who could entertain leaving school after his junior season.

Hamlin has a little more sense of urgency as he has something more pressing on his mind. He now has to beat out DeAndre McDaniel. The freshman sensation played perhaps as well as anyone on defense at times this spring. No one made more plays or more big plays in the secondary. McDaniel is a ball hawk who is also excellent with the ball in his hands after the pick. He is a special athlete that really makes things look easy.

Sadat Chambers had a very good off-season when he caught the attention of the strength and condition coaches. He is a hard worker who is one of the most physical defensive backs on the roster. He is versatile enough to play a couple of positions including some nickel back. Chambers will still have a role in this defense despite having Hamlin and McDaniel ahead of him.

Free Safety
Clemens Jr, Russell Sr, Gaither Fr, Cooper Fr

Chris Clemens is not the most talented defensive back on campus but he still is consistent enough to hold onto his starting spot. Clemens is considered perhaps the best open field tackler in the secondary.

Chris Russell at times looks like he is ready to compete for more playing time and at times he looks like Scotty Cooper or other may come in a beat him out. Russell needs to be more consistent.

Darius Gaither improved his conditioning in the off-season but I did not get to see him a lot during the time I saw the team this spring. I think he may have a hard time holding off others on the depth chart.

Punter
Maners Jr , Jackson Fr

Last season Jimmy Maners looked like he was ready to take over the punting duties for the Tigers. His issue was the time it took him to get off the punts but he has continued to improve in this area. He has a strong leg but needs to develop more consistency.

Richard Jackson has the skill set to become a great one at Clemson and looks the part on most days but his off days hurt his chances at more playing time.

Place Kicker
Buchholz Jr, Jackson Fr

Mark Buchholz has emerged as the place-kicker to beat this fall. As Bowden mentioned, the ball comes off of his foot a little different than the competitions. Buchholz is a soccer player that looked like the better option in the spring.

TDP
The Denver Post reports that Colorado Rockies President Keli McGregor could be the leading candidate to replace Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles. However, McGregor is not looking to leave according to the report. The paper said Ken Hatfield and Terry Don Phillips were also among the candidates.

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