Clemson Football: 3 upperclassmen who must step up in 2022

Clemson football looks to regain its title as ACC champion and walk amongst the nation’s elite. These upperclassmen must step up this fall.

By most standards, Clemson football had an outstanding season. The Tigers won ten games for the eleventh consecutive season and defeated Iowa State in the Cheez-it Bowl. Clemson’s standards are not like most other college football programs.

Since 2015, the Tigers neither played for nor won the ACC Championship for the first time. Their two conference losses were the most since 2014, the last time the Tigers finished outside the top five.

Injuries were one part of Clemson’s 2021 season. They lost defensive tackle Bryan Bresee after four games last season. Fellow defensive linemen K.J. Henry and Xavier Thomas also missed time due to injuries. The offense had its fair share of injuries as well.

Running backs Will Shipley, Lyn-J Dixon, and Phil Mafah all missed games due to injury. Due to injury, Joe Ngata, Justyn Ross, and Ajou Ajou were among the wide receivers out. Those injuries and lackluster offensive line and quarterback play led to a season that did not end with a College Football Playoff appearance.

All is not lost in Death Valley East, however.

The Tigers still have the best roster in the conference. Head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff need some players to step up and play well this season. Here are three upperclassmen who need to step up in 2022.