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C.J. Spiller is in the NFL, no longer suiting up in Clemson's locker room. At least not physically.
The influence, however, of the former Tigers standout on Clemson's upcoming season remains as strong as if he were still running around campus.
- Spiller's backups from last year, Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper, cite the lessons they learned watching the older running back prepare.
- Safety DeAndre McDaniel, a likely early round NFL pick had he come out, followed Spiller's example and returned for his senior year.
- Quarterback Kyle Parker remembers all the hours Spiller logged studying film that paid enormous dividends for the ACC's player of the year. ''I took note of that,'' Parker said.
Now, Parker and the Tigers hope to continue the successful legacy Spiller left.
Clemson won its first ACC Atlantic Division last fall played in the league championship game, the closest its come to the top since its last conference crown in 1991. To take the next step, Tigers coach Dabo Swinney will have to find capable replacements in several offensive areas, not just the backfield.
Receiver Jacoby Ford caught 56 passes for 779 yards and six touchdowns last season and, with a 4.28 second time in the 40-yard dash, was a game-breaking, field stretcher for Clemson. Michael Palmer set a school record with 43 receptions, the most ever caught by a Tiger tight end. Thomas Austin was a linchpin for the offensive line the last several seasons.
Swinney understands it may take trial and error to find players to match last year's production.
''This group here is completely different. We've got to erase that white board and start drawing a new picture,'' offensive coordinator Billy Napier said.
The new picture starts with Ellington and Harper, who've spent the past two seasons waiting to get their chance. Ellington, a sophomore, is shifty and explosive like Spiller. Harper is a bigger back who has speed to outrun defenders. Spiller may have gain the highlights, but it was Ellington who was the team leader in yard's per rush and Harper who had Clemson's longest run from scrimmage.
Swinney said both are eager to prove what they can do. They combined for more than 900 yards rushing and eight touchdowns in limited work a year ago.
''I am sure both of them rolled their eyes last year when C.J. announced he was coming back'' for 2009, Swinney said. ''But, I am also sure today they would tell you they benefited by working under C.J.''
At tight end, 6-foot-4 Dwayne Allen figures to pick up where Palmer left off as Parker's safety valve. However, the biggest offensive question could be at wide receiver. Seniors Terrence Ashe and Xavier Dye have the most experience, yet managed only 25 catches over 14 games between the two of them.
Swinney and Napier hope some of the team's unproven players at the position emerge, like Marquan Jones, Jaron Brown and Brandon Clear. Redshirt freshman Bryce McNeal and first-year player DeAndre Hopkins should also be in the mix.
Parker should be the unit's constant after worrying his team, coaches and fans about his baseball future. Parker, who passed for 20 touchdowns and 2,526 yards last fall, was picked by the Colorado Rockies with the 26th pick overall in June's Major League Baseball draft.
The sides couldn't agree on a baseball only deal and Parker is back for his sophomore season. He said he won't have adjustments he did a year ago as a first time starter.
''I know what to expect this year,'' Parker said. ''I can draw from tough situations and experiences.''
Clemson might have the defense to give its offense time to adjust. The Tigers held on to coordinator Kevin Steele despite an offer from new Tennessee coach Derek Dooley and return safety McDaniel, who led the ACC eight interceptions a year ago. Alongside McDaniel is sophomore Rashard Hall, who added six interceptions in seven starts.
The defensive line includes Da'Quan Bowers, an end who was considered the country's best prospect in 2008 but has yet to fully live up to that billing.
Swinney likes the focus and direction of the group this offseason and into summer camp. He expects that will pay off during the year. ''When you have a highly competitive situation with guys that have a lot of pride in their jobs and performance compete against each other, it can't help but make you tougher,'' he said.
