Clemson football: 3 biggest 2021 offseason questions for Tigers

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Jan 1, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Lyn-J Dixon (23) runs the ball past Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste (8) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Without Trevor Lawrence, who leads the Tigers?

There are a lot of seniors coming back for Clemson next season. Do any of them have the gravitational pull that Trevor Lawrence had? James Skalski and Nolan Turner are two defenders that get their teammates in position defensively, but can either one galvanize an entire football team. Lawrence was not a “rah-rah, firey” type of leader. It was the cool and even keel nature of Lawrence that fueled the Tigers for three seasons.

As Clemson’s profile has risen, its leadership has come from behind the center. From Deshaun Watson to Kelly Bryant and Lawrence, the quarterbacks have led the Tigers. So does the burden of leadership fall on D.J. Uiagelelei? Can the true sophomore be the alpha the Tigers need with Lawrence gone to the NFL?

Skalski and Turner are the defensive leaders, and Lyn-J Dixon is a senior who has waited his turn to start, but D.J. U has to be the man. Those three young men will be part of the supporting class, but Uiagelelei has to lead.

It’s been the quarterback position that has been the alpha leadership position at Clemson, which will not change any time soon. Uiagelelei does not have to be anything but himself, and he will be fine.

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