Clemson’s talent on the rise

By Bob Wilson  |   Tuesday, May 08, 2007  |  Comments( 1 )

Clemson Tigers
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Five Clemson Tigers were drafted by NFL teams this year -- the most since six were taken in 1999 -- highlighted by Gaines Adams going as the fourth overall pick to Tampa Bay. Anthony Waters was the only other first-day pick, being drafted in the third round. Dustin Fry and C.J. Gaddis both were fifth-round picks, and the Jets' seventh-round choice, Chansi Stuckey, will be reunited with ex-Tiger Justin Miller in New York.

Head coach Tommy Bowden is starting to get more kids to the professional level. The 2000 and 2002 drafts saw no Tigers get chosen, although three went in 2001. Only two Clemson players were selected in each of the 2003 and 2004 drafts, and three were picked in both '05 and '06.

While the NFL draft is far from an exact science, it does appear that the overall talent level at Clemson is on the rise under Bowden. Many scoffed when the head man begged for the facility upgrades that he believed would bring in more elite players. However, the numbers show that more and more Tigers are being perceived as good enough to play professionally.

The current roster could produce even more NFL players in the future. Running backs James Davis and C.J. Spiller should both get drafted when they decide to leave Clemson, and there are many exciting younger guys who could develop into the type of players the NFL is looking for.

Of course, Bowden's main job is still to win games while at Clemson. Although he is getting better players, the victories aren't adding up fast enough for many fans. Now, to be fair, Clemson still isn't producing a lot of first-round draft picks. Antuan Edwards, Rod Gardner, Tye Hill and Gaines Adams are the only top picks since 1999. While having more players drafted looks good and is another hook to use while recruiting, the championships aren't likely to come until Clemson starts getting multiple first-rounders on the field together.

Still, the future is beginning to look bright again for the Tigers. If Willy Korn develops into the star quarterback that everyone expects him to, Bowden could have a backfield full of NFL-type talent to play with next season.

Weekly Clemson Tigers insight, courtesy of RealFootball365.com
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