ESPN.com: NCF - Spring recap: Clemson

2000 overall record: 9-3
Conference record: 6-2 (t-2nd)

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 4
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Travis Zachery* (1,012 yds)
Passing: Woodrow Dantzler* (1,691 yds)
Receiving: Rod Gardner (956 yds)
Tackles: Chad Carson* (146)
Sacks: Nick Eason* (7)
Interceptions: Alex Ardley (6)

What's new

Clemson QB Woodrow Dantzler is being challenged this spring by Willie Simmons.
Bobby Bowden's former offensive coordinator at Florida State is Tommy Bowden's new offensive coordinator at Clemson. Brad Scott takes over this role but will probably not change much of what he and the Bowdens have been doing for years. Two solid quarterbacks will give the offense plenty of flexibility.
Battling it out
Most coaches hate the media circus surrounding a quarterback competition, but it appears Bowden will have to deal with it this fall. Willie Simmons showed great ability in relief of Woodrow Dantzler last season and took all of the snaps with the first team in spring drills as Dantzler sat with a leg injury. Simmons didn't play as well as he could have, but his solid spring game (21-39, 240 yards) will have the fans talking all summer.
Eye catcher: LB John Leake
The redshirt freshman capped off an impressive spring with a dominant spring game, making 10 tackles (3 for loss) and returning an interception 57 yards for a score. He is backing up Braxton Williams at star safety, which is a cross between a strong safety and outside linebacker.
Budding star: WR Kevin Youngblood
Youngblood was the offensive star of the spring game with 11 catches for 142 yards. The rising sophomore was a reserve last year, but is now the frontrunner to fill the role of Rod Gardner, a fellow graduate of Raines H.S. in Jacksonville, Fla.

Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.

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