Clemson’s Cumbie needs to produce next season

By Bob Wilson  |   Tuesday, March 06, 2007  |  Comments( 4 )

Clemson Tigers
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Clemson defensive end Jamie Cumbie had the luxury of playing behind Gaines Adams and Phillip Merling as a freshman in 2006. He wasn't the first end off of the bench, either -- that distinction went to Ricky Sapp. While Cumbie won't start next year (barring another rash of injuries), he will be asked to produce.

The former Chicagoland player of the year in high school spurned late overtures from Notre Dame and remained committed to the Tigers. He will be expected to be the player in 2007 whom the Fighting Irish tried to pry away from Tommy Bowden.

He has a big frame at 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds, although he could stand to gain some weight to improve his power rush and play against the run. Sapp will be called upon to replace bandit end Adams, so Cumbie will likely see most of his action backing up Merling at the other end. This position requires less athleticism than the bandit spot, but Cumbie must be stout against the run.

Cumbie did have two tackles for losses out of his seven stops in limited playing time last year. He will need to display that toughness when spelling Merling. If he shows the coaches that he can consistently hold his own going up against ACC linemen, the defensive staff will be able to substitute freely and keep the DEs fresh. That would create a fiercer pass rush -- at least in theory.

The rising sophomore has an opportunity to make a lot of big plays. Once the coaches can trust him to perform well, he will get playing time. The Clemson staff likes to cycle players in and out of the lineup so that no one gets too tired.

While he might not start the next few years, Cumbie can still make his impact felt on the field.

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