Speedy Tiger looks for bigger role in 2007

By Bob Wilson  |   Monday, March 05, 2007  |  Comments( 3 )

Clemson Tigers
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Clemson freshman Jacoby Ford is currently smoking the competition in track and field. He has already broken the ACC record in the 60-meter dash and blew away his opponents in winning the league title. Tiger fans hope to see more of the 90-yard dashes on the football field next year.

Last season, the Royal Palm Beach, Fla., native became the first Clemson player to score on a 90-plus-yard punt and kickoff return in the same year. Perhaps he will do both in the same game in 2007. The Tiger coaches would be smart to find ways to take advantage of Ford's world-class speed. All he needs is a half step on the defender and he's gone.

Strangely, Clemson didn't attempt many deep passes with Ford in '06. He seems like a natural for the fly pattern. With his blazing speed, all the quarterback would need to do is put the ball out in front of Ford and watch him run under it for six.

If quarterback Willy Korn is the player Tiger fans (and recruiting gurus) think he is, Ford could be scoring a lot of touchdowns in the near future. With the graduation of Chansi Stuckey, the rising sophomore has a chance to step up and claim a bigger part of the offense. Clemson will almost have to open up the offense after last season's disastrous ending. A more balanced attack will allow Ford to shine.

Ford will likely play in the slot and should be able to create some matchup nightmares for opposing defensive coordinators. He should have little trouble improving last year's numbers. As a true freshman he produced 15 catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns. His longest reception went for a 76-yard score against South Carolina.

The rising sophomore could easily catch 25 to 30 balls next year if the Tigers commit to throwing the ball on plays other than third and long. Because Clemson doesn't necessarily have a go-to-type receiver on its roster, Ford has a golden opportunity to burn opposing defenses on a weekly basis.

Get more NCAA football coverage at RealFootball365.com.
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