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I suppose the new normal for this season is going to be late player scratches and coaches scrambling to fill holes they didn’t expect to fill 24 hours previously.
The Athletics’s Grace Raynor has been the bearer of bad news today, and it’s taken her several tweets to convey how short handed the Tigers will be tonight.
News: Clemson has released its list of players who are unavailable tonight. Notables: Starting defensive end Justin Foster is unavailable and did not travel. Neither did CBs Mario Goodrich or Derion Kendrick. Big blow to Clemson's defense.
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) September 12, 2020
Clemson running backs Michel Dukes and Chez Mellusi are also out. As expected, Xavier Thomas will not be available.
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) September 12, 2020
On the defensive line, Clemson is also without Demonte Capehart and Etinosa Reuben, who were both projected to provide depth at the tackle spot.
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) September 12, 2020
Cade Stewart's backup at center, Hunter Rayburn, is also not available tonight.
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) September 12, 2020
Clemson appears to be missing
Mario Goodrich
Derion Kendrick
Michael Dukes
Chez Mellusi
Xavier Thomas
Justin Thomas
Demonte Capeheart
Etinosa Reuben
Hunter Rayburn
Mason Trotter
Overall
I’m not sure all of these are Covid related. Etinosa, for example, has been out for a little while with a wrist injury and was doubtful. Y’all say a prayer for Cade Stewart, because if he gets hurt, one of the Swinney boys may be snapping the ball to Trevor.
Clemson’s depth will be tested at corner and defensive end tonight. Let’s hope the 2019 recruiting class is as good as advertised, because they’re going to play a huge role tonight at a few key positions.
Just a guess, but I anticipate a depth chart that looks something like this on defense.
CB: Andrew Booth
S: Nolan Turner
S: Lannden Zanders
CB: LeAnthony Williams/Sheridan Jones/
MLB: Jake Venables
WLB: Baylon Spector
LB/Nickel: Mike Jones
DE: K.J. Henry
DT: Tyler Davis
DT: Jordan Williams/Nyles Pickney/Bryan Breese
DE: Justin Mascoll/Myles Murphy
The key thing to keep in mind is that Trevor and Travis are ready to go.
I’m not worried.