The college football spring games represent the perfect opportunity for coaches, media and fans to get their first looks at this year’s rosters. The quarterback competitions are always in the spotlight but every year there are a handful of performances that stand out and generate legitimate buzz about what is in store for the coming year. Here is a look at the four biggest takeaways from the 2016 college football spring games.
Clemson Will Contend For A National Championship
Clemson was hit with some considerable losses with key players graduating to the NFL but they still have enough talent to contend for a national championship in 2016 and the spring game provided another look at how good they have the potential to be. Heisman trophy finalist Deshaun Watson continues to get better as an elite dual-threat passer that is coming off one of the best seasons in college football history at his position and the Tigers have surrounded him with talented weapons. Wayne Gallman, Artavis Scott, Jordan Leggett, Hunter Renfrow and Ray-Ray McCloud are all back, Mike Williams is healthy and Deon Cain has the potential to be a breakout star. Clemson’s talent was on display at this year’s spring games and certainly nobody is about to overlook them heading in to next season.
The Alabama Defense Is Still Stacked
Alabama also took a hit with a number of talented players moving on to the NFL but Nick Saban has done a tremendous job reloading over the years. This year’s team has the potential to be very good again led by a defense that is absolutely stacked. Jonathan Allen, Da’Shawn Hand, Da’Ron Payne and Davlin Tomlinson make up a solid rotation that has the potential to wreak havoc along the defensive line while Tim Williams, Reuben Foster, Rashaan Evans, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Ryan Anderson will fight for snaps at the linebacker positions. Eddie Jackson, Marlon Humphrey and Minkah Fitzpatrick all return after strong performances in the Tide’s defensive secondary last season while Maurice Smith and Ronnie Harrison are slotted to start. Alabama has some outstanding starting talent along with some considerable depth across the board so look for their defense to be a force again and really carry them throughout the 2016 season.
It will be important for the defense to lead the way early on as remember that the Tide will be breaking in a new quarterback and running back too. They lost Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry to the NFL along with Kenyan Drake, and they’ll also be starting a new signal caller. If the defense can be deliver early on – especially in the opener against USC – then it should mask some of the problems the offense might have during as they get acclimated.
Houston Is Still A Force
The Cougars lost leading receiver Demarcus Ayers to the NFL but they still have a considerable amount of talent on both side of the football led by quarterback Greg Ward Jr.. Head coach Tom Herman has done an excellent job attracting and developing young talent over the years and the spring games provided even more reason for optimism. Isaiah Johnson had 15 receptions for 292 yards and three touchdowns in another performance that indicated he is ready to step in and fill the void left by Ayers and he will be joined by Chance Allen and Ra’Shaad Samples at the wide receiver position. The Houston offense should be just fine in 2016 and if the defense can step up then the Cougars will be a force again next season.
Lamar Jackson Shines With Loaded Louisville Offense
Louisville’s starting offense is absolutely loaded with talent led by dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was on fire in the Cardinals’ spring game. Jackson absolutely picked apart his defense as he completed 24-of-29 passes for a ridiculous 519 yards and eight touchdowns. There has been a lot of talk about Jackson’s ability to move the football with his legs but the hype has reached another level after he showcased his arm strength, accuracy and vision in Louisville’s spring game.
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