Weekly Clemson News and Recruiting Links

Quite a snooze fest for the Homecoming game.... Defense played their hearts out but Cole Stoudt proved once again that he can't run the offense effectively without a decent offensive line. It goes without saying that Cole can probably run this offense a lot better with a good offensive line. DW's skill set hides the flaws of the o-line and makes our offensive line look AVERAGE at best. As bad as our running game has been all year it was relieving to finally have a 100 yard rusher in a game. Some disagree but I feel Gallman is our best back right now and should absolutely be getting the bulk of the carries. Even though he has yet to take the field I look forward to seeing if Tyshon Dye really is the best running back on the roster. I watched his high school tape a couple of days ago and while I like what I see, I want to see him translate it to the college level whenever he takes the field.

Here are this week's news and links including a couple of important recruiting updates...

Mike Williams emerging

Another WRU link... So far he is proving it this year but I along with many feel Mike Williams will be the next great receiver to come out of Clemson. Its far away and while we all don't want to think about it, I would expect him to leave after next year and to be a first round draft pick.

Clemson LB Stephone Anthony Named Butkus Award Semi-Finalist

Recruited as a five star linebacker, Stephone Anthony is starting to play like one. Nice to see our own being recognized as possible recipients for big time college football awards. His play this year has given his draft stock a boost. Its hard to know what exactly Anthony's draft stock is now but I would expect him to go no later than the 3rd round in the NFL Draft. He will probably go higher... And I believe we will see more Brent Venables coached players get drafted after seeing how well Bashaud Breeland performed tonight and how well he has held up all season for the Redskins.

Orange holds on to defeat Purple 7-6

The Clemson Baseball team played their annual Orange and Purple Series to end Fall practice this weekend. Here is the article recapping the friday game. I had a chance to attend the first scrimmage on Thursday. The final score of that one was 13-11 Orange with multiple errors committed on both sides. I feel that is what we have come to expect from Clemson Baseball nowadays. My observations from that scrimmage and the results of this weekend were that it would hard to expect much different from this year's team compared to last year's team when it comes to defense. However, I was encouraged by some of the freshmen bats including KJ Bryant, Drew Wharton, Robert Jolly, Chase Pinder, Reed Rohlman, and Glenn Batson. Matthew Crownover and Zack Erwin had scoreless outings on Sunday and I expect those two to be our top weekend starters. Our third weekend starter and midweek starters are still up in the air. However, I have heard to watch out for freshmen Charlie Barnes and Paul Campbell as candidates for the final weekend slot as well as midweek starts.

#STRecruiting: Revolving door of coaches at Mack house this week

Brad Brownell and Co. have on more spot to fill in the 2015 recruiting class after landing a commitment from Center Legend Robertin last week. This would be a huge commitment for the Tigers as this would add more depth at the wing positions. However, Mack has a lot of options and its hard to tell where he is leaning...

#STRecruiting: Major defensive end target to visit Clemson this weekend

The top defensive end prospect in the nation visited Clemson this weekend and reportedly called it a 'memorable' time. Smith reportedly has a strong relationship with Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables and that will be key if we are able to get a recruitment from him for the 2016 recruiting cycle at some point in the near future. Many schools are recruiting him to be a defensive end but Venables is recruiting him to be an inside linebacker in the mold of Stephone Anthony. If we are successful in getting a commitment from him, Rahshaun Smith would be an ideal replacement for Stephone Anthony at the inside linebacker position sometime in the next few years.

#STRecruiting: Georgia ATH Hardman to see his first game at Clemson Saturday

Another 2016 prospect who enjoyed his time visiting the 'Valley' on Saturday. Not sure yet whether the coaching staff would want him to play at receiver, running back, or a combination of both. Another potential factor in getting a possible commitment from Hardman is that he has a cousin already on the team(Tyshon Dye).