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Clemson X-Factors: Cordrea Tankersley

With an alumni list that includes Da'Quan Bowers, Aaron Kelly, James Davis, C.J. Spiller, and Sammy Watkins, Clemson has had its fair share of household names. This year’s team boasts a star-studded defense headlined by Vic Beasley, Grady Jarrett, and Stephone Anthony. That said, instead of focusing on the star players, this seven part series will focus on those who could have big seasons, but remain unproven, and whose success will go a long way in determining the success of the 2014 Clemson Tigers.

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Cordrea Tankersley

Clemson's secondary was the team's weakness last season and now they've lost two cornerbacks in Bashaud Breeland and Darius Robinson. As a result, Cordrea Tankersley is primed to take one of the starting CB roles as a sophomore. Garry Peters, the senior option opposite MacKensie Alexander, is suspended for the Georgia game, increasing Tankersley's importance and strengthening his grip on the starting position listed on the summer depth chart.

Tankersley joined Clemson from Hargrave Military academy, so he is not a sophomore in the traditional sense-he has a year of prep school experience. He's 6'1", was well-recruited before going to prep school, and could tag-team with former five-star MacKensie Alexander to form a shutdown duo of CBs. However, he lacks experience and should he falter, there is little depth behind him. Martin Jenkins will be healthy and Peters will be back after the one-game suspension, but after them, Clemson will have to turn to Jadar Johnson and Korrin Wiggins. Simply put, they need Tankersley to break through.

Also read X-Factor: Joe Gore