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Clemson Football: 5 position battles to watch during 2017 spring game

By Jerran Anderson

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) celebrates with defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) celebrates with defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson football wide receiver Deon Cain (8) runs after a catch in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson football wide receiver Deon Cain (8) runs after a catch in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Wide Receiver

The Clemson Tigers lose wide receivers Mike Williams and junior Artavis Scott, both potential draft picks in the NFL Draft this April. But, they have depth at the position due to recruiting. They’ll also be in good hands with receivers Deon Cain and Ray-Ray McCloud leading the way.

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Cain and McCloud combined for 1,196 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns in 2016. But other than that, the door is wide open for other wide receivers to step up and earn some playing time.

Clemson wide receivers Cornell Powell, Diondre Overton and T.J. Chase are all being prepared for larger roles. With a new quarterback and running back, the offense may rely heavily on the wide receiving corps despite the limited experience.

Chase redshirted in 2016 but he was a four-star recruit coming out of high school in 2015. Powell caught 12 passes for 87 receiving yards last season. Overton caught two passes for 48 receiving yards and a touchdown. Overton is a 6-foot-5, 200 pound wide receiver with potential to replace what Mike Williams once was. With a new quarterback, anything is possible this spring.

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