I took in the Clemson Spring game yesterday, and to my casually observing eye, I just want to throw out some thoughts. I don’t particularly pay too much attention to the unit performances. There are typically players out, schemes aren’t fully employed, and sometimes not even usually developed yet. What does catch my eye is individual player performance. Did the QBs hit open receivers? Did a specific player make great singular plays?
Here’s what I saw at Clemson’s Spring Game.
Peter Woods is the real deal. The 5-Star top 5 Defensive Line Recruit showed out. He displayed speed, and power, and appears to be another in a long line of elite defensive players for the Tigers. He even blocked an XP. Clemson won’t have concerns along the defensive line with Woods and all the talent they will have.
#Clemson freshman Peter Woods
Rare talent. All of the traits to be an elite defensive player in CFB. Pure strength & power. Tosses guys around. Constantly disruptive in the backfield. And has the speed to chase down the QB (see first clip).
Clemson is lucky to have #11. pic.twitter.com/il980sXlSy
— Johnny Falduto (@johnnyfalduto) April 16, 2023
Cabe Klubnik appears to be adjusting to Garrett Riley’s new offense quite well. Clemson didn’t take many shots downfield, but also had a number of players out. Klubnik looked comfortable on short and intermediate routes while completing 18 of 33 passes for 190 yards. Klubnik will just get better and the position will be an improvement over his predecessor DJ Uiagalelei.
#Clemson QB Cade Klubnik from yesterday’s Spring Game
Excellent read here. Didn’t panic. Stood in the pocket, recognized pressure, knew where his answers were, threw the ball right over the blitzing LB’s head on time & on target.
Gain of 24 to set up a walk-in TD. Good rep. pic.twitter.com/WpCrPmlcOy
— Johnny Falduto (@johnnyfalduto) April 16, 2023
I’m still concerned Clemson may not have much game-breaking speed at the skill position. Certainly not much was shown in that regard Saturday. As said, several receivers were out Saturday so we’ll withhold final judgment there, but I’m not the only one that is concerned about the position.
Spring games aren’t meant for knee jerk reactions, but a prevalent theme coming out of Clemson’s is that the WRs have a lot to prove. Sure, the injection of Collins & Randall will help but WRU is no more as of now. Wish we would have seen a portal take, but numbers didn’t work.
— Tiger Commenter (@TigerCommenter) April 16, 2023
I know it’s just a spring game but it still feels like the playmakers at WR are lacking for Clemson. Best WR so far is TE Jake Briningstool.
— Kelly Gramlich (@kellygramlich) April 15, 2023
