Swinney's Christmas wish list
CLEMSON -- As Clemson prepares to face Kentucky in Sunday's Music City Bowl, here's a look at what might be on Tigers coach Dabo Swinney's Christmas wish list:
1. Kyle Parker chooses to be a four-year starter at quarterback (and continues to improve).
Yes, that's really two wishes.
The coming losses of C.J. Spiller, Jacoby Ford, Michael Palmer and Thomas Austin not only deplete Clemson of offensive assets but also of important leadership.
What can ease the loss is continued growth from Parker, who during the six-game winning streak looked like a franchise-type quarterback. If Parker can become something of a Drew Brees II, the Tigers' offense will be productive for the next three seasons.
But if Parker receives a large signing bonus from a Major League Baseball team, if some club thinks he can play an infield position, the Tigers might have to learn about Tajh Boyd sooner than expected.
Parker is ranked as Baseball America's No. 71 college prospect entering the spring.
Though Parker struggled as a corner outfielder last spring as a sophomore after earning freshman All-American honors, it might not even take a monster spring for a major league team to spend a high pick a pick on Parker -- if that club prefers potential to production. Few second basemen or catchers -- which some project Parker to play -- have Parker's bat speed and throwing ability. And from Parker's perspective, few NFL quarterbacks stand 6 feet or shorter.
Parker's own father, Carl, a former NFL wide receiver, said he believes his son has more professional potential as a baseball player due to his size. Kyle Parker has yet to indicate which way he's leaning.
Swinney might want to think about proposing a McDaniel-for-Heisman campaign, which includes a few offensive plays per game (think Charles Woodson, circa 1997). It can't hurt in enticing McDaniel to return for 2010.
The Tigers are already losing one All-American in Spiller and would love to keep their other in McDaniel, who finished second in the nation with eight interceptions and is also a factor in supporting the run.
While McDaniel said he plans to return if he does not have a first-round grade (he is projected as a second-rounder), a draft salary slotting system is a possibility for 2011 NFL draft, lowering rookie salaries. It could compel an unusual number of juniors to declare early for the 2010 draft.
Swinney says he's not concerned with what's transpiring on any other campus. Still, with Bobby Bowden retired, many expect the Seminoles to return to dominance quickly in the ACC, which is bad news for the rest of the Atlantic Division. Clemson might contend again in 2010, but expect those five- and four-star recruits to begin reaching their potential sooner rather than later in Tallahassee.
Clemson's offensive line evolved from a liability in 2008 to something of an asset in 2009. The Tigers rank 44th in the country in rushing and average 4.8 yards per carry, while allowing just 19 sacks. While there is promising depth at tackle, Mason Cloy's injury reveals little proven depth behind guard and center.
Swinney said the Tigers have struggled in recent weeks at linebacker. The Tigers graduate outside linebackers Kavell Conner and Kevin Alexander, meaning Tig Willard will have an opportunity to solidify a position next season. At middle linebacker, Clemson needs either Brandon Maye to keep improving or Corico Hawkins to emerge.
Stocking stuffers
DE Da'Quan Bowers made strides as a sophomore, but the Tigers would love Bowers to become a Spiller-like impact player on defense as a junior … Swinney said he's excited to see what wide receiver Jaron Brown can accomplish in an expanded role next season. With the loss of so many offensive weapons, the Tigers will be in need of playmakers (Bryce McNeal?) at receiver … The offensive staff would love to see Dwyane Allen reach his potential at tight end, where he could set every school record.
