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Clemson Football: Final report card for Tigers’ 2019 season

By Dante Pryor

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers is hit by Shaun Wade #24 and Chase Young #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers is hit by Shaun Wade #24 and Chase Young #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 16: Chase Jones #48 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons tries to stop Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 16, 2019, in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 16: Chase Jones #48 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons tries to stop Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 16, 2019, in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Offense overall grade: A

Outstanding Players

Trevor Lawrence: The sophomore phenom had another banner year. Though Lawrence pressed and got off to a slow start, he still ended up with over 3,500 yards passing and 36 touchdowns. He was a large factor in the Tigers’ offensive surge this season.

Travis Etienne: Etienne is the most underrated running back in the country. He’s a home run hitter that has the speed to score from anywhere on the field. Etienne followed up an outstanding sophomore campaign with over 2,000 total yards and 23 total touchdowns as a junior.

Tee Higgins: Higgins was Clemson’s big-play receiver. All you need to know about him is that he caught the same amount of passes from last season, but gained 231 more yards. His yards per reception average went from 15.9 to 19.8.

Quarterback: A

When you have a freshman season like Lawrence had, you set a standard that is difficult to live up to. He struggled early in the season as he threw five interceptions in the first three games of the year. He got it together, however, throwing three interceptions the rest of the season. That included going eight consecutive games without throwing an interception. Despite his struggles in the national title game, Lawrence had yet another spectacular season.

Running Back: A

Etienne is a rare combination of power, size and speed. He is a home run hitter. When you need a bit more punch, you give the ball to Lyn-J Dixon who flat runs angrily. The Tigers might have one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and they like to throw the ball, but don’t mistake the Tigers for a “finesse” spread offense. Clemson had three runners — including Lawrence — with over 100 carries this season.

Offensive Line: A-

The offensive line are the unsung heroes of the Clemson Tigers football program. The Tigers’ offensive line was tied for ninth in the country in sacks allowed this past season and paved the way for the sixth-best rush defense in the country. This line might not have an abundance of first-round draft picks or postseason award finalists, but they are a cohesive unit that plays well.

Wide Receiver/Tight End: B+

This seems like a tough grade since both Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins were outstanding this season, but that was the lion’s share of their production. They had 21 of Lawrence’s 36 touchdown passes. Their lack of a presence in the seam of a defense and a consistent threat in the slot. Amari Rodgers was inconsistent in the slot after coming back from a knee injury after only nine months. Tight end J.C Chalk missed a lot of time due to injury.

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