Clemson’s secondary, punter exceeding expectations

By Bob Wilson  |   Thursday, September 28, 2006  |  Comments( 3 )

Clemson Tigers
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The Clemson Tigers' defensive secondary and punt team have been pleasant surprises so far this year. The secondary was thought to be the weakest part of the defense, and many fans were calling for senior punter Cole Chason to be benched prior to the start of the season. However, these two areas of concern have turned out to be strengths.

The defensive backfield has played great despite losing its best player, Michael Hamlin, to an injury in the second game of the year. Clemson has only allowed 156.5 passing yards per game. That is good enough to rank 24th nationally and second in the ACC, behind only Virginia Tech (131.3). The Tigers are ranked 10th nationally in pass efficiency, second to Georgia Tech in conference, and have only given up one touchdown pass in four games. Drew Weatherford of Florida State is considered by many to be the top ACC signal caller, but he was only able to throw for 103 yards against the improving Clemson secondary. Not bad numbers for a group that was almost universally tagged as a "weak link."

Roy Walker and Sadat Chambers have filled in nicely at the CAT position for Hamlin, while Chris Clemmons and Chris Russell have both played well at the FS position. The Tigers are able to run players in and out of the lineup and keep everyone fresh with four safeties contributing.

Although the cornerbacks aren't creating interceptions yet, they are playing well. Senior CB Duane Coleman is the team's second-leading tackler and recovered a huge fumble against FSU. He has always been a fiery player, but has become even more of a vocal leader after the loss of team's emotional leader, Anthony Waters. C.J. Gaddis and Chris Chancellor have held their own at corner as well. True freshman Crezdon Butler is establishing himself as a punishing tackler and forced a fumble against North Carolina while playing special teams.

While the members of the secondary have played well, they have been helped by the pass rush. The Tigers, led by Gaines Adams' 2.5 sacks, average 3.75 sacks a game. That mark puts them 28th in the country and fourth in the ACC. Last week the defense only managed one sack of the UNC quarterbacks, but forced the passers out of their rhythm all game long.

Cole Chason has only had to punt in two of the Tigers' four games, but he has looked much better than last year. So far, the senior is averaging 39.8 yards a punt, nearly 3.5 yards better than in 2005. More importantly, the special teams have not allowed a blocked kick and the punt coverage team has been solid. Last week, Ray Ray McElrathbey downed a Chason punt at the UNC 1-yard line. The play was overturned by a Tar Heel penalty, but the efforts didn't go unnoticed.

If Clemson's secondary can continue to be a strength and the punt team can remain consistent, the Tigers should be able to roll through the middle part of their schedule.

Get more original Clemson Tigers coverage at RealFootball365.com
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