With the word that Mackensie Alexander might not be playing Monday night, who would be stepping in?
In just a few short hours, the Clemson Tigers will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. However, a short time ago, the Tigers got some news that they really did not want on their plate with such a big game on the horizon here.
Monday afternoon we learned that star defensive back Mackensie Alexander might not be available for the Tigers as he battles a hamstring injury. Considered one of the best at his cornerback position in the country, this is horrible news for the Tigers. As a follow-up to this news, ESPN reported that Alexander will indeed be a game-time decision.
While Alexander would be a huge loss on the defensive side of the ball, the fact of the matter is that this is the game of football and the next man would have to step up. So, with that being the case, who exactly would step in for Mackensie Alexander if he is ruled out of the biggest game of the year?
According to the
Post and Courier, if Alexander is on the bench with this hamstring injury, then the duties of trying to shut down Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley will actually come down to two players. Junior Cordrea Tankersley and sophomore Adrian Baker will be tasked with trying to calm down one of the hottest offensive players in all of college football. Not an easy assignment by any means, but again — it’s next man up.
Tankersley played in all 14 games this season and tallied 44 tackles including 2.5 for loss with five interceptions. Baker has seen action in five games, tallying eight tackles with two interceptions.