The fuse to light the offensive fireworks has been handed from Woody Dantzler, no introduction needed, over to young Willie Simmons at quarterback. Only a redshirt junior, Simmons seems to have a better knack at the passing game. Even though he has the wheels to motor, replacing that aspect of the Dantzler foundation isn't exactly a duplication process. Coaches are now going to offer a new look to better benefit the capable arm strength. The explosive capabilities look to still be in place with Simmon's wealth of riches running patterns at receiver. The past few recruiting classes have loaded the wheel barrel and then some in Clemson, SC. This has to be the deepest set of receivers in the history of the school and may just be the deepest in the nation. No joking, four freshmen by the names of Derrick Hamilton, Roscoe Crosby, Airese Currie, and Ben Hall combined for 106 receptions for 1548 yards in 2001. Hamilton and Hall were both freshman All-Americans. Not only is Hamilton a dynamo receiver, his kick return skills were superb enough as a frosh last year to break the old all-purpose record held by Terry Allen. He was third in the nation with 31.7 yards per kickoff return. More than just a unit of youngsters, veterans J.J. McKelvey and Jackie Robinson have established themselves as top quality catchers. Throw in 6-5 receiver Kevin Youngblood, who missed all of last season with a broken leg, and it can be quite easy to see why Clemson is well stocked for the continued fireworks display. The running game needs to carry on, as the Tigers are 15-1 when rushing for at least 200 yards since Head Coach Tommy Bowden arrived. That task will be difficult without the services of departed leading rusher Travis Zachery. Fullback Chad Jasmin returns in the backfield with the most experience and is a solid blocker as well as being a guy capable of swapping on over to tailback. The biggest drawback to the 2002 Tiger analogy is the offensive line. The veteran line of 2001 has been decimated and replacements are extremely inexperienced. Senior Gary Byrd is the only returning starter at left tackle. Keep an eye on kicker Aaron Hunt, who has shown great improvement each season, going 5-5 from 40 yards or more last season.

The plus side is that 7-8 starters return to the defensive lineup. The bad news is that they were borderline anemic last fall, finishing near the cellar in most conference statistics. Watching the Tigers play had to be a stomach full for the orange clad Death Valley crowd. Emotional senior leader Nick Eason will bolster the defensive line. Although he played in all 12 games last year, the majority of his time was hampered by injuries. By December, he should be a definite All-ACC candidate. Statistically, Bryant McNeal at end recorded eight sacks, well enough for third on the ACC list. Two of the top tacklers from 2001 are John Leake and Rodney Thomas, which should help aid the resurgence up front. The secondary returns three starters and welcomes back senior Altroy Bodrick who moves to strong safety from linebacker after missing all of 2001 with a torn ACL. His performance could be crucial for the backfield unit. The kicking game will be an area of strength in 2001 from kicking to punting to returning, as starters with good experience dot each position.