Tigers have a lot of holes to fill

CLEMSON -- The Tigers face an extreme makeover as they begin spring practice today.

Since its victory in the Music City Bowl, Clemson graduated C.J. Spiller -- who accounted for 39 percent of Clemson's touchdowns last year -- its two leading receivers in Michael Palmer and Jacoby Ford, and cornerbacks Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler, who started 40 consecutive games together.

Filling those voids are among the five most important questions facing coach Dabo Swinney this spring.

1. Is Boyd ready as Plan B?

The possibility of Kyle Parker electing to play baseball exclusively this summer might be unlikely, but it's plausible.

Parker, a freshman All-American quarterback last fall, was also a freshman All-American in baseball in 2008. Moreover, Parker is off to a blazing start this baseball season.

Swinney said a priority this spring is accelerating the development of redshirt freshman quarterback Tajh Boyd. Even if Parker returns, Boyd is an injury away from becoming the starter.

Like Parker, Boyd possesses a big

arm, quick release and came to campus as a decorated recruit. But Boyd spent most of last fall running opponents' defenses as Clemson's scout-team QB, and he needs more experience within the offense.

Boyd will have the benefit of five practices to work exclusively with the first team this spring as Parker misses some spring camp due to baseball.

2. Who wants the ball?

Swinney said the receiver battle could be the "quarterback" of the 2010 spring camp. The competition is wide open.

Even when Ford wasn't catching passes, he was impacting games with his speed, clearing room for Spiller to run wheel routes.

Palmer emerged as an excellent security blanket for Parker in the mid- and short-range passing game.

Xavier Dye is the leading returning receiver with 14 receptions.

While short on proven production, Swinney says he likes the prospects he has.

Dwayne Allen has the potential to break Palmer's fresh, single-season reception total at tight end. Swinney thinks Jaron Brown can be a star, and Bryce McNeal is talented.

Spring is a chance for the wideouts to make an impact as they could soon be pushed by freshmen DeAndre Hopkins and Martavis Bryant.

3. Who can survive?

Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele said Butler and Chancellor weren't isolated in man-to-man coverage as often as some thought, and that Clemson usually had safety help over the top. Still, Clemson figures to miss their experience at corner.

Swinney said Clemson will open the spring with a starting secondary of DeAndre McDaniel and Rashard Hall at safety, and Marcus Gilchrist and Byron Maxwell at corner.

Gilchrist was considered a top 50 prospect last year but was forced to play safety and nickel due to the logjam at corner.

Defensive backs coach Charlie Harbison likes Maxwell, saying if he had to place someone on the field to cover a Demaryius Thomas-type receiver, Maxwell would be his guy.

4. Second-year breakout

Steele believes significant defensive improvements will occur in his second year.

He said his defensive personnel should be more comfortable with the system, which will result in more "instinctive" plays and a more physical brand of defense.

Nowhere would that progress be more welcomed than at linebacker. The staff admits there are questions within.

Will Brandon Maye improve upon an up-and-down year? Was undersized but instinctive Corico Hawkins' start in the Music City Bowl a sign of things to come? Might freshman Justin Parker be needed to make an immediate impact?

5. Sustained line play

The Tigers improved from averaging 110 rushing yards per game in 2008 to 170 yards in 2009, achieving the balance Swinney desired. Can it be sustained?

The Tigers graduated guard Thomas Austin, and guard Mason Cloy will be out due to injury. David Smith will open camp starting at left guard, though he'll likely return to tackle in the fall, meaning developing interior depth is a key.