Overview
Overshadowed throughout his career by teammate Michael Hamlin, Clemons' consistency in coverage might actually make him the safer NFL prospect. A three-year starter for the Tigers who leaves with 323 career tackles, 20 passes broken up and five interceptions, Clemons' production warrants a closer look. If he can prove his speed in workouts, Clemons' could surprise as a second-day defender capable of contributing immediately.
High School
Two-way star at DeSoto High...Ranked the No. 23 cornerback in the nation by Tom Lemming...Rushed for 1,242 yards on 193 carries...Averaged 6.4 yards per carry and had 11 touchdowns as a senior...No. 39 running back in the nation by Rivals.com...No. 5 running back and a Super Top 75 player by Florida Times-Union...Top-100 player in Florida by Orlando Sentinel...Named to All-Dixie team by SuperPrep...team offensive MVP...DeSoto County Offensive Player-of-the-Year by Port Charlotte Sun...Returned kicks as a senior...Offensive MVP of the South-Central All-Star game...Named first-team running back by Sarasota Herald Tribune...Had 951 rushing yards in 100 carries with eight scores as a junior...Had five interceptions, including two for touchdowns...Averaged over 16 points and 10 rebounds on the hardwood...Ran a 10.52 in the 100m, the fourth-best time in the state...AAA regional champion in the 100m...team MVP as a junior and senior...State qualifier in the 100 and 200m...District champion in the 100m and 200m as a senior...Coached by Gary Morton...Chose Clemson over Michigan State, Pittsburgh, and South Carolina.
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Analysis
Positives: Lanky build with room for additional growth. ... Has at least adequate pure game speed to be the last line of defense. ... Takes good angles in pursuit. ... Reads the quarterback and gets a jump on the ball. ... Flashes a late burst to close. ... Good open-field tackler. ... Has the lateral quickness and balance to break down in space and wraps up. ... Agile enough to slip blocks and make tackles near the line of scrimmage. ... Durable. ... Has never missed a game due to injury at Clemson.
Negatives: Lacks the bulk many teams prefer at safety. ... A reliable open-field tackler, but lacks the explosiveness to be an enforcer in the middle. ... Isn't a natural playmaker. ... Loses sight of the ball and doesn't have natural hands for the interception. ... Surrounded by legitimate NFL talent and has been allowed to freelance as a centerfielder.
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