College Football Rankings: Top 25 entering spring games
By Brad Weiss
Clemson Tigers
2016: 14-1, ACC- Atlantic Division
The Clemson Tigers did the unthinkable in January, they actually beat the Alabama Crimson Tide in the National Championship Game. The 2016 Clemson team was a team of destiny, as they avenged their loss to Alabama the year before in the title game. Quarterback Deshaun Watson was a Heisman-caliber player, and many believe he will be the first quarterback taken in the 2017 NFL Draft.
With that being said, the page now turns to the 2017 season, where Clemson is going to have to figure out their roster quickly. Not only is Watson gone, but also Mike Williams, arguably the best wide receiver in college football. If Clemson hopes to repeat as national champs, they are going to have to figure out who is playing quarterback first, and that man should be Kelly Bryant.
Bryant served as Watson’s backup the last two seasons, and he knows the offense like the back of his hand. Clemson is also going to have to replace Wayne Gallman, an incredible productive back during his time with the Tigers. C.J. Fuller will get the first crack at the job, and he should do a nice job at shouldering the load in 2017.
On defense, Clemson is going to have to replace Carlos Watkins and Ben Boulware, who were essentially the heart of the unit. Dexter Lawrence should step in and be an anchor for the defensive line, but this Tigers team has a long road ahead if they want to make it to a third College Football Playoff. The schedule is tough, the roster is completely changed, but the man in charge, Dabo Swinney, will have his team ready for action, that you can count on.