Auburn Starting Safety Suspended, Clemson v. Auburn Depth Charts and Other News and Notes

Here’s your news roundup for Wednesday. Click on the links for more information.

Auburn’s Stephen Roberts Suspended

Auburn safety Stephen Roberts, a projected starter, was suspended after his recent arrest for possession of an unlicensed firearm and eluding police. I guess I’m surprised that they actually suspended him for at least one game instead of waiting for the process to play out or citing the lack of felony charges. Good job Auburn!

Depth Charts released for Clemson and Auburn

Notable items:

• Pretty amazing to see three true freshman offensive lineman in the two deep for Clemson.
• Williams, Scott and Renfrow are listed as starters at WR. Cain, Ray-Ray, Thompson and Seth Ryan are listed as backups. No Powell?
• Christian Wilkins is listed as co-starter at both DE and DT with Yeargin and Pagano as the other co-starters, respectively.
• At cornerback Ryan Carter and Mark Fields are listed as co-starters. I’m assuming Fields will see most of the snaps as starter. Marcus Edmonds and Trayvon Mullen are listed as backups.
• Ray-Ray and Scott are listed as co-starters at punt returner and Scott and C.J. Fuller are listed as starters at kick returner. I had hoped to see Powell or Feaster get a shot, but I suppose you want sure hands and experience for the first game in a hostile road environment. Hopefully they’ll get chances in Weeks 2 and 3, as I would think their upside is much higher.

A more readable version of the Clemson depth chart can be found here.

Injury Updates

Marcus Edmonds is available to play, but is clearly behind after missing much of camp with an injury.

Austin Bryant is walking underwater now. Things seem to be on track as of now for his recovery. His return would be a big boost for the defense.

Carlos Watkins will play against Auburn with a soft cast on his hand. At least if he has any issues we’ve got some quality depth behind him in Huggins and the Dex Star.

Other Miscellaneous Items

• Steve Spurrier is a fan of Deshaun Watson:

It’s an interesting interview covering a wide range of subjects. The video will start at the relevant Clemson part. You can skip the rest after ;)

• It’s behind a paywall, but everyone’s favorite ESPN analyst Todd McShay listed Deshaun Watson at #21 in his preseason Top 32. Fellow Heisman candidates Leonard Fournette (#1), Dalvin Cook (#11) and Christian McCaffrey (#13) were ranked above him. No other Tiger made the list. Lack of ideal physical traits and experience with a pro-style offense were listed as negatives for Watson.
• Speaking of Watson, it’s behind another paywall, but ESPN ran through the weaknesses of some of the top offensive players in the game. Watson’s weakness is apparently facing pressure from non-blitzing defenses. He’s actually good against the blitz, so apparently the weakness is when defenses can pressure him with a basic 4-man rush. What a novel concept! I’d like to meet the quarterback that didn’t struggle when the defense was able to generate pressure without sending extra rushers.
• Former Tiger Zac Brooks was released from the Seahawks. Brooks was a 7th round pick in the 2016 draft. He’ll probably catch on a practice squad somewhere, but health has been an issue for him so far.
• Dabo Swinney has said he’d love to play Georgia every year. Hey, I’d like that too. Let’s make that happen! Just say no to the 9-game conference schedule.
• Behind yet another paywall, ESPN identified some instant impact players in the Class of 2017. Clemson commit Tee Higgins was listed as was Clemson target Jeffrey Okudah. Out of Clemson’s current 2017 commits, I’d say A.J. Terrell probably has the best chance to make an instant impact as there will be an opening at CB after Tankersley is gone.
• Finally, a football highlight! Oh, I mean soccer. A nice goal from Diego Campos against Providence:

Three days until game day!

2:18pm update: Additionally, ESPN published an article about Deshaun Watson on Monday. Be sure to check it out! It’s a longer read, but it’s a great look at Watson off the field and his hometown of Gainesville, Georgia.