Friday May 09, 2008
Friday E-Mail Bag
Friday E-Mail Bag
Each Friday I publish your comments and answer your questions. To submit a comment or questions please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com.
Mickey,
We've all read the quotes from Craig Loston saying how he liked the way we played defense when he watched the FSU game last Labor Day. This is the kind of national exposure, along with some of the things in "Phase III", that really catches the eyes of some of the younger kids out there that we're recruiting.
Do you think we could impress anyone in the same way this year at the Alabama game? If so, who?
One more, who is on the absolute top of our board right now? I would have thought Loston was up there, but after his verbal, who is the one guy we'd trade any other for?
Thanks,
-Wes in DC
Wes,
A win over Alabama would help with prospects in the state of Alabama that Clemson is recruiting like wide receiver Kendall Kelly and defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick of Gadsden and linebacker Nico Johnson of Andalusia. All three have offers from Clemson.
I am not sure who the top of the recruiting board would be overall but here is a list of the some of the top prospects still on the board by position:
QB-Ryan Mossakowski, Morgan Newton
RB-Jamaal Berry, Desmond Scott
WR-Marlon Brown, Jheranie Boyd, Jamal Patterson, Bryce McNeal, Ricco Sanders, Kendall Kelly
TE-Phillip Lutenkirchen
OL-Bobby Massie, Xavier Nixon, Morgan Moses, Quinton Washington, Brandon Thomas
DE-Sam Montgomery
DT-J.C. Lanier
LB-Jarvis Jones, Frankie Telfort, Jelani Jenkins, Corico Hawkins
S-DeVonte Holloman, Demario Jeffrey
CB-Stephon Gilmore, Brandon Smith, Dre Kirkpatrick, Terry Shankle
Hope this list helps.
Mickey,
I keep hearing all the talk about our OL gelling; but my question is what are the things the coaches are looking for? Is it when the guy beside you needs help (double team) or knowing that when a certain blitz comes your responsibilities change? These guys really look like an upgrade in size, strength and mean streak attitude. Is this just CTB motivating his lineman to work hard in the off-season or are there certain progressions he is looking for. Are they really missing assignments over and over? I am so ready for the season but I am stressing starting against Alabama. I would rather that be like the third game where our new starters wouldn't have so many butterflies!
Thanks,
Chris
Chris,
You have a great question and a great idea of the answer. They are looking for more consistency. They are looking for less busted assignments and they are looking for the right combination. At this point they are still trying to find out the right chemistry. Thomas Austin gives them options at center and guard. David Smith is talented but young and needs to be more consistent. I think Corey Lambert will be fine at left tackle. Some on the staff feel Chris Hairston is as good as they have had at right tackle so that is an upgrade.
Remember that anytime you replace three or four starters on the offensive line it is an issue. It just takes time for the group to come together.
Alabama is good and they lost a lot of close games last year but Clemson has more talent than Bama.
Hello Mickey,
I continue to enjoy your daily blogs and appreciate your time and effort.
Thursday's blog was somewhat of any "eye opener", but more accurately, a reminder........
The Coaching Staff at Clemson (all sports) has an advantage....
The Students of Clemson (frosh to grads) have an advantage....
The Alum of Clemson have an advantage......
Fanatics, like me, have an advantage......
New recruits/commits will learn this advantage upon their arrival....
'THERE IS SOMETHING IN THESE HILLS'
Thanks Mickey !
Dennis
Dennis,
Well said! I go back and read Joe Sherman's masterpiece every once in a while but your e-mail made me stop and read it again. Thanks.
Mickey,
Please tell me who will have a better 2008 between:
James Davis or C.J. Spiller?
Aaron Kelly or Jacoby Ford?
DaQuan Bowers or Kevin Alexander?
DaQuan Bowers or Ricky Sapp?
Rashaad Jackson or Dorell Scott?
Stanley Hunter or Scotty Cooper?
Michael Hamlin or Chris Clemens?
Xavier Dye or Brandon Clear?
Jamie Harper or Andre Ellington?
Rob Spence or Vic Koenning?
Thanks for everything!
Kent
Kent,
Thanks for the great e-mail.
James Davis or C.J. Spiller?
Davis. I think Davis is the better back but he came back for a reason and I think Davis has the school record in his sights. Spiller will have a great year but this is Davis' team.
Aaron Kelly or Jacoby Ford?
Kelly. Aaron Kelly had a great spring and Ford is coming off of the injury. This will be closer than some think though because Ford will have a terrific year.
DaQuan Bowers or Kevin Alexander?
Bowers. Alexander is hard worker and will contribute but Bowers is a freak. Look for Bowers to make an immediate impact like few freshmen at Clemson ever have.
DaQuan Bowers or Ricky Sapp?
Sapp. He understands his role better and is more experienced. I think if Sapp continues to build on a great spring then he could be dominant.
Rashaad Jackson or Dorell Scott?
Great debate here. I still think Jackson has more versatility. This is close but Jackson is a better pass rusher. Both are outstanding.
Stanley Hunter or Scotty Cooper?
I may surprise you here but I will say Hunter. I am a big fan of both but Hunter is just a football player. I think he will have a very productive freshman.
Michael Hamlin or Chris Clemens?
Hamlin. Michael Hamlin is a much better player and the leader of this defense.
Xavier Dye or Brandon Clear?
In the fall I would have said Clear but after the spring I say Dye. Xavier Dye has a 40-inch vertical and he is getting more comfortable each practice.
Jamie Harper or Andre Ellington?
I would not be shocked if it was Ellington but Harper may have more of a role because of his size which could be utilized in sort yardage situations.
Rob Spence or Vic Koenning?
Koenning has fewer issues to deal with. Spence still has concerns on the offensive line which are a bigger issue than Koenning's issues at linebacker. Plus Clemson will face better defenses and worse offenses as the season continues.
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