Clemson Spring Practice: Storylines To Watch

This feels like a reset. Not that the Clemson football program hasn't been a hugely successful one - the Tigers are coming off of yet another ACC Championship - but it does feel like the program has come back to the pack in recent years.

For half a decade, college football looked to Alabama and Clemson as the standards. Now both programs find themselves searching for an identity.

Clemson can look to Alabama, and to some extent Georgia, to see what that reset looks like. Both the Crimson Tide and the Bulldogs were successful with overwhelming defense and ball-control offense, but both programs eventually revamped their offenses and have seen extraordinary results.

Now it's Clemson's turn. As we head into spring practice on Monday, all eyes will be on first year offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and quarterback Cade Klubnik.

How Garrett Riley uses Cade Klubnik.

Clemson offensive coordinators have never shied away from using their quarterback on the ground. From Deshaun Watson, to Trevor Lawrence and Kelly Bryant, and through DJ Uiagalelei, Clemson loves to utilize their quarterback's feet.

That should continue to be the case with Garrett Riley. Last year, Heisman finalist Max Duggan rushed the ball 137 times in 15 games. In the same season, Uiagalelei and Klubnik combined for 184 carries.

The one thing that could make Riley hesitant to feature Klubnik on the ground is the lack of depth behind him. Last year, with Uiagalelei and Klubnik, you had a fall back plan. If Klubnik goes down, the Tigers are in trouble.

Who replaces Jordan McFadden?

The choice that makes the most sense is Blake Miller. After starting all 14 games at right tackle, Miller seems primed for the position, but sometimes coaches don't like to mess with a good thing.

Former 5-star Tristan Leigh is certainly someone to watch.

Where does Clemson find a pass rush?

Clemson is no stranger to replacing elite defensive line and linebacker talent. They'll have to replace a ton of production as Myles Murphy, Trenton Simpson, Bryan Bresee are all off to the NFL, among others.

The return of Justin Mascoll and Xavier Thomas is huge. Both will be the front-runners, but a talented group of youngsters will push the two seniors.

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