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Clemson's defensive-tackle depth is a run-defense concern with Vic Burley suspended, Kourtney Kelly recovering from a March ACL tear and Hevin Brown-Shuler undergoing cancer treatment, leaving Markus Strong, Amare Adams, Champ Thompson and JUCO addition Andy Burburija as the likely core rotation.
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Clemson expects Jahiem Lawson and London Merritt to rotate opposite starting end Will Heldt, while Darien Mayo should absorb some of Heldt's snaps and C.J. Wesley could earn situational pass-rush work.
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Jeremiah Alexander has settled at MIKE linebacker and would move Sammy Brown to WILL when they share the field, while an alternate package keeps Brown at MIKE with Kobe McCloud operating in space.
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Clemson plans to play substantially more press man outside with Ashton Hampton and Elliot Washington II, but secondary communication remains a concern after contributing to coverage busts last season.
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The loss of Polo Anderson thinned Clemson's safety depth, increasing the importance of Jerome Carter III and Corey Myrick staying healthy while converted receiver Ronan Hanafin is projected near 20 snaps per game, especially against run-heavy opponents.