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By B.J. Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor B.J. Bennett takes a quick off-season look at the Clemson Tigers. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin. Become a fan of us on Facebook at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page
2009 Recap - In Dabo Swinney's first full season and C.J. Spiller's last, the Tigers finally made the ACC Championship Game. Though Spiller put forth a game for the ages, Clemson fell just short against Coastal Division winner Georgia Tech. After missing out on a trip to the Orange Bowl by just a couple of plays, the Tigers rebounded to top Kentucky in the Music City Bowl. Losses to South Carolina and GT in the conference title game stood out, but Clemson won nine games and had a six-game winning streak in the middle of the year. The victory over the Wildcats was the school's first postseason win since 2005.
Biggest Strength - The defensive line has the potential to be one of the best in the ACC. Senior Jarvis Jenkins and juniors Da'Quan Bowers and Brandon Thompson all return as starters from a year ago. Bowers totaled 10.5 tackles for loss. Edge rusher Malliciah Goodman is ready to emerge. The Tigers have a number of incoming freshmen who could contribute up front; tackle John Watson, an early enrollee, tackle Tavaris Barnes and end Corey Crawford to name a few. The front line talent and overall depth is about as impressive as you will find anywhere in the league.
Biggest Question - The obvious question is how do you replace all-everything talent C.J. Spiller? So much more than a pure runner, Spiller caught 36 passes last year and returned four kickoff returns for touchdowns, good for tops in college football. Whenever Clemson needed a big play, Spiller was there. Whenever the Tigers needed a spark, they looked his way. The playmaking responsibilities will have to be shared this fall. That said, keep an eye on sophomore running back Andre Ellington this spring. He averaged 7.2 yards per carry as Spiller's protoge a year ago.
Top Returnee, Offense - Kyle Parker, QB
Top Returnee, Defense - DeAndre McDaniel, S
Rising Star - Andre Ellington, RB
Newcomer to Watch - John Watson, DT
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