Every spring, college football starts the early prep work for the following year. Spring gives young and/or unproven players a chance to make progress before summer workouts. This year there are few guys with the potential to fill big roles and with a big spring could make Clemson Nation feel better about the upcoming football season.
DB Martin Jenkins-It was obvious that the secondary was a big weakness for Clemson due to lack of depth and talent. Heading into next season the Tigers will have to replace 3 senior DBs that where solid contributors at times. Jenkins was a player that many thought would have filled a big void for the Tigers this past season had he not had a season ending injury before the season even started. Jenkins will have to jump right in and contribute next season and has the savvy and experience to be an upgrade at DB. If he shows out in spring, defensive coordinator Brent Venables will feel some relief going into next season.
LB Tony Steward-Steward committed to Clemson as a high profile prospect. Injuries have kept him from living up to the hype. A knee injury ended his freshman season early and the recovery carried over into his sophomore season. Steward was very good on special teams but had limited opportunities on defense. To many he is the player on the defense that appears ready to breakout and be a freak defensively. His mix of speed and strength help will help him defend both the run and the pass. Steward is on the cusp of being a dominate player but can he take that next step?
DE Vic Beasley/Shaq Lawson-If either Beasley or Lawson show out in the spring one could solidify a starting role next season. Beasley is a bit undersized for a defensive end but is the strongest player on the team. He has already shown that he can reek havoc as a pass rusher but can he be a run stopper as well? If he shows improvement stopping the run, he should enter preseason practice with a starting role. Challenging him will be Lawson. Lawson was the #1 prep player in the country and has the tools to contribute right away. Lawson has the talent to grab playing time from veteran players. If he is able to adjust to the college game well he could be a freshman sensation. If one of these two is able to solidify a starting position by the end of spring it will make for a smother start to the 2013 season and help take pressure off of a young and inexperienced secondary.
RB Roderick McDowell-The 2013 season will be the first season that Clemson will not have either James Davis, CJ Spiller, or Andre Ellington starting in their back field since 2005. Replacing Ellington presence won't be easy but McDowell showed a ton of improvement as his backup. Hot Rod averaged over 4.5 yards per carry and was very dependable when Ellington was not on the field. McDowell will have to continue to show that he is an every down back and show that he can be a reliable blocker. He should be the guy to emerge as the projected starter after spring practice but will still have to show he's capable when freshmen Tyshon Dye and Wayne Gallman show up for preseason practice.
WR Martavis Bryant/Charone Peake-One of the biggest voids that will need to be filled this year is the production that DeAndre Hopkins gave Clemson at receiver. Clemson has the depth at receiver to do it by committee but it would make the coaching staff feel much more comfortable if one of these two showed consistency. Bryant has displayed his ability to make plays on deep routes but can he contribute in the medium and short passing game. He definitely has the physical tools to be a superstar receiver but can he improve his fundamentals. Peake on the other hand, had a great spring last season, but got was overshadowed at receiver. He made some catches but didn't display the ability to make big plays or be a game changer. He has the speed to huge deep threat and if he can fine tune the fundamentals of his game he could be the #2 receiver on the roster after Sammy Watkins. Bryant and Peake are on the edge of breaking out but can they show they have the consistency to develop into something special?
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