Clemson Football: 2017 season preview and predictions

Offense

On offense, they return four out of five offensive lineman. Just like many past Clemson offenses, they return a good bit of talented skilled players. Their wide receiver group will be led by returning starters Deon Cain, Ray-Ray McCloud and Hunter Renfrow. Clemson’s best bit to replace Mike Williams is using 6’5″ Diondre Overton. Overton saw limited minutes behind Williams but this year could be his year to break out. If it’s not Overton it could be Trevion Thompson. Both Overton and Thompson had good spring games and have seen playing time in the fall.

At a place called “WRU” finding talent at the wide receiver position should not be too hard for Dabo Swinney. Their backfield is led by C.J. Fuller and Tavien Feaster, the new version of Thunder and Lightning. Both backs averaged over 4.5 yards per carry in 2016. Skill positions are taken care of, but that still leaves one massive question.

Who wins the QB battle?

Who will Dabo pick? Will he pick junior Kelly Bryant or will it be freshman Hunter Johnson? Bryant should have a leg up on Johnson and it did show in the spring game. Neither were great, but Bryant was reportedly dealing with a torn tendon in his throwing picky. Johnson had some issues with the defensive line but the 24-yard ball he threw to Overton for a score was beautiful.

The job will come down to these two players, but on Week 1 Bryant will be the starting quarterback. He already has game experience and he more of dual-threat quarterback than Johnson. Deshaun Watson is gone, but his influence will be felt in the Tigers’ offense in 2017.