Position eval: Safeties

Not sure I agree that most Clemson fans would want a true freshman starting the opening game of the season at safety. I don't care how talented he is Aaron Murray will school him in the biggest way. That is not an ideal sceanrio at all.

Why was Cortez Davis not mentioned?

I don't see any scenario where Kearse starts right away at safety next to Blanks unless Smith and Geohagan get hurt. Frankly I expect Blanks and Smith to be the starters with Kearse and Geohagan backing them up. No one is talking about Geohagan but I think he's going to be a major factor.

Cortez hasn't officially been announced that he's moving back though it is is natural position. I do think he plays some at safety against UGa but I also believe Kearse does too. And, welcome back sir.

Youth will be served with this group. Blanks' experience will prove to be huge. Agree with others that Smith's hold on a presumed starting spot will be fluid. There are going to be some failures along the way with this group, but an improved front seven and CB play should balance this out.

As to the UGA game, the key to stopping Murray is applying pressure every time he drops back. He can be rattled into poor decisions/turnovers, but Clemson must get pressure on him. Tackling will be at a premium in this one, as Gurley and Marshall present challenges between the tackles and on the edges.

Cortez Davis is transferring.

Anybody hear anything bout TJ Burrell moving to safety?

Yes, it's been verified by Clemson. It just says for personal reasons.

Maybe..too bad he isnt big enough to play LB because he does have some head hunetr in him and tackles well. Hope we can utilize him somewhere

Honestly, I want the best players on the field regardless of their status. Kearse is an elite athlete. I honestly want to see Kearse returning punts and kicks too. I think he will be one of the best athletes on the entire roster when he gets to campus. Now depending on how fast he can pick up the scheme will determine how much he plays. This will be were Smith and Geohaghan will have the advantage.

It really is jv, this kid has the size, he's rangy, and has that long stride. He's listed as an athlete which makes me think he's going to play multiple positions.

I don't see Kearse as a contributor on punt or kickoff returns. I see Humphries continuing to be the main guy on punts, and Sammy/Hopper on kickoff returns.

Also, at 6-4 and 205 now, I could easily see him growing into an OLB and never playing much at safety beyond early in his career. He may be a natural for the SAM/nickel/hybrid spot with his size and some coverage abilities.