Clemson Tigers

Head Coach

Tommy Bowden	10th year
07-08	9-4
ACC	5-3
FCR	21

Previous Season Wins

Head Coach - Tommy BC Bowden enters his 10th season as the head man and it appears this is his best Clemson team to date. The Tigers have been solid teams in recent years yet never seem to be able to get to the next level, they won nine games last year but anything less than an ACC title and double digit wins will be a disappointment. They return 15 starters and virtually everyone at the skill positions, the big question is on the O-Line where four starters must be replaced, if they find the answer Clemson could be in line for a BCS invite.

Quarterback - At quarterback senior Cullen Harper had surgery late last year but all indications coming out of spring are that he’s 100% and ready. His numbers last season were excellent as he threw for 2,991 yards with 27 TD’s and only six interceptions, he also has the speed to take off when needed. Redshirt freshman Wily Korn is the heir apparent but he’ll have to wait a year, he’s got size, good arm and showed this spring he’s ready if the need arises.

Running Backs - First team All-ACC running back James Davis enters his senior season in position to set numerous career marks at Clemson. He’s a force between the tackles; he rushed for 1,064 yards with 10 TD’s last season. In C.J. Spiller the Tigers have a backup who’d be starting at most schools, he gets to the second level quickly and when he does he delivers, he rushed for 768 yards, caught 34 passes for 271 yards and scored xx times. If they go with the fullback in the attack redshirt freshman Chad Diehl will be called upon to block.

Receivers - Everyone returns at wide receiver,, their led by 1st All-ACC senior Aaron Kelly, he had 88 receptions for 1,081 yards and he made Bowden extremely happy by waiting one more season before entering the NFL. He’ll be joined on the outside by senior Tyler Grisham and junior Jacoby Ford, the duo combined for 77 catches for 963 yards with 8 TD’s, Grisham is the go to guy while Ford can stretch the field. At tight end will be junior Michael Palmer, seldom used in the offense he caught 13 passes for 128 yards and contributes in the run blocking.

Offensive Line - Virtually all the questions for Clemson Football 2008 are on the O-Line, they return only one starter Thomas Austin, and the junior will be asked to be a steadying influence and make the line calls from his center position. Penciled in for now are three juniors with Cory Lambert at left tackle, at guards Jamarcus Grant on the left and on the right Barry Humphries and at right tackle sophomore Chris Hairston. Redshirt freshman David Smith and a couple of incoming freshman could be in the mix when the season starts.

Defensive Line - They were the 23rd ranked unit against the run last season and they’ll be every bit as good in 2008. On the inside they have a pair of seniors, Rashaad Jackson at defensive tackle and at nose guard Dorell Scott who combined for 87 tackles last season get pressure upfield. On the outside will be juniors Kevin Alexander and Ricky Sapp who led the team with 6 sacks, the two combined for 84 tackles a year ago. Freshman DaQuan Bowers showed this spring he’s going to be a sack machine from the outside and will be on the field.

Linebackers - All three starters must be replaced; the good news is the Tigers are so solid upfront and in the secondary that the linebackers will be given some time to develop. Redshirt freshman Brandon Maye will be in the middle and on the strongside will be sophomore Scotty Cooper junior Kavell Conner will be the weakside linebacker. They’re young and undersized; their best quality is quickness and they’ll grow into a good unit against the pass.

Defensive Backs - Outstanding group, they return all four starters and last season they were the 13th ranked unit in America. In free safety Chris Clemons and Michael Hamlin at the CAT Clemson has possibly the best senior safety duo in America. Hamlin is a potential All-American who led the team with 97 tackles and added 4 INT’s, Clemons added 94 tackles a year ago and will be All-ACC at years’ end. At the corners will be returning juniors Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler, they combined for 113 tackles and 7 interceptions, Chancellor has gotten better every year and is the Tigers’ shutdown corner.

Special Teams - At placekicker senior Mark Bucholz returns, he’s been so-so in his career hitting only 22 of his 36 attempts last year. Senior Jimmy Maners will handle the punting; he was a solid a year ago with a 42.8 yard average. C.J. Spiller will handle the kickoff returns and Jacoby Ford will handle the punts, excellent duo who can go the distance at any time.

Schedule - They open with Alabama, the game will be played in Georgia, so that’s a plus and should be 5-0 when they travel to Wake on the 5th of October. They have seven home games but must go to Boston College and Florida St in November and we’ll know then if this is a team that will be in the hunt for the national championship or just another good Clemson squad. They’ll play for the ACC title and we’ll be in the chase for a BCS bid, the Tigers will win 10+ games in 08’.