Every year heading into a new college football season, most
freshman hope for just some playing time. For Clemson, 3 freshmen in particular
will be depended upon to play quite a bit and sure up some weakness.
Travis Blanks
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Blanks is no question the best player of the Tigers'
freshman class. The U.S. Army All-American was recruited mostly for his play as a safety but can also play cornerback. Blanks reacts quickly to passes, is a
hard hitter, and a play maker. His style resembles Ed Reed of the Baltimore
Ravens and like Reed, Blanks is a threat to score each time he picks off a pass
and is good at returning kicks. He will most likely be used as a 5th corner in
Clemson's nickel defense which new defensive coordinator Brent Venables plans
to use frequently. Blanks enrolled in Clemson in the spring and he showed he
can compete winning the Freshman of the Spring Award and playing like a veteran
in the spring game. He will receive plenty of playing time and may become a
starter midway through the season.
Zac Brooks
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Like Blanks, Brooks received valuable experience by
enrolling in the spring. The coaching staff had initially expected him to
redshirt but when Mike Bellamy was declared academically ineligible running
back depth was immediately an issue for Clemson. Brooks has shown in Clemson
practice that he can contribute as a blocker and mostly as a short yardage back
something the Tigers lacked last season. Brooks sets up his blockers well,
always seems to surge forward after contact, and can contribute in the passing
game too. If he focuses on protecting the football his number should be called
in short yardage situations.
Carlos Watkins
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Watkins will likely be a contributor from day one due to
Clemson's lack of depth on the defensive line. With the loses of Andre Branch,
Brandon Thompson, Rennie Moore, and Kourtnei Brown, the Tigers will have no
choice but to put Watkins on the field early. Watkins has the ability to be an
impact player right away with good size, a strong motor, and is a natural at
shedding blocks. He isn't just a big player either as he was used as a runner
and receiver in high school and also averaged 21 points for his basketball
team. Watkins is a true athlete and likely a cornerstone for Clemson's future
success.
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