Tavien Feaster – Noteworthy
Clemson has a clear-cut No. 1 back in Heisman candidate Travis Etienne, but the Tigers should have an intense battle for the backup job. Tavien Feaster and Lyn-J Dixon were both in the running back rotation in 2018 and will battle for the backup job in 2019. Feaster, a rising senior, said during the College Football Playoff that he might transfer during the offseason, but he appears poised to finish out his career with the Tigers. Dixon led Clemson in yards per carry at 8.8 last year, compiling 547 yards on 62 carries. With an offseason under his belt, Dixon should go toe-to-toe with Feaster for the backup job this season. – The State
Trevor Lawrence – Noteworthy
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney moved up and down the rows of Tigers players, patting their shoulder pads and helmets as the national champions got ready for practice. “We’re back,” Swinney said. “Good to be back.” Less than two months after winning its second national title in three years, Clemson began its journey to what it hopes is another chance to finish on top. “We were the last time to walk off in college football” last season, Swinney said Wednesday. “And we’re the first or one of the first to get back on it.” Clemson finished modern major college football’s first 15-0 season with a dominant 44-16 victory over Alabama in Santa Clara, California, on Jan. 7.
The Tigers will have work ahead of them with seven defensive starters from that game either done with their eligibility like tackle Christian Wilkins and end Austin Bryant or, in the case of defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence and Clelin Ferrell, linebacker Tre Lamar and cornerback Trayvon Mullen, surrendering their remaining time in college to enter the NFL draft. On offense, though, the Tigers should be loaded, led by Trevor Lawrence, who went 11-0 as a freshman starter and is considered a strong Heisman Trophy contender this fall. – AP College Football