The second game of the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Weekend is between see the Tigers of Clemson and Auburn. While Clemson comes into the game ranked No. 14, Auburn figures to put up a fight with a decent stable of NFL Draft prospects.
Clemson vs. Auburn NFL Draft Watch Notes
Clemson senior running back Andre Ellington is arguably the top prospect on the field. His shiftiness and speed is a joy to watch, and this SEC defense will be an interesting test for him to open the season. His offensive line is far from the best, but Ellington will have to take what they give him up front.
Auburn is a bit inexperienced, but the Tigers stil boast a few talented offensive playmakers. Like Clemson, though, the offensive line is a bit of a concern, which will make life easier on Clemson’s defensive line.
Auburn 2013 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch
Offense - No. 80 - Emory Blake, WR - 6'1''170, No. 43 - Phil Lutzenkirchen, TE - 6'4''250, No. 23 - Onterio McCalebb, RB - 5'10'', 176 (Senior), No. 71 - John Sullen, G 6'4'',336 (Senior)
Defense - No. 55 - Corey Lemonier, DE 6'3', 245 (Junior), No. 54 Jeffrey Whitaker, DT 6'3'', 302 (Junior), No. 95 Dee Ford, DE 6'2'', 245 (Junior), No. 22 - T'Sharvan Bell, CB - 5'11'', 185 (Senior), No. 11 - Chris Davis, CB - 5'10'',185 (Junior)
Clemson 2013 NFL Draft Propsects
Offense - No. 6 - DeAndre Hopkins, WR - 6'1'', 200 (Junior), No. 23 Andre Ellington, RB - 5'9'', 192 (Senior), No. 55 - Dalton Freeman, C - 6'4'', 286 (Senior), No. 63 - Brandon Thomas, T - 6'3'', 305 (RS Junior)
Defense - No. 97 - Malliciah Goodman, DE - 6'4'', 280 (Senior), No. 34 - Quandon Christian, LB - 6'2'', 224 (Junior) No. 5 Jonathan Meeks, S - 6'1'', 210 (Senior)
Matchup of the Night
Auburn Tight End Phil Lutzenkirchen (No. 43) vs. Clemson Linebackers
Clemson has three talented linebackers, all of whom are trying to put themselves on the NFL Draft radar. Phil Lutzenkirchen, meanwhile is already there. This will be an interesting test for Auburn’s senior tight end. He’ll get a chance to show off his versatility against these backers, provided the offensive line can keep his quarterback upright.
Question of the Night
How will running backs Andre Ellington (No. 23) of Clemson and Onterrio McCalebb (No. 23) of Auburn fare against tough defensive fronts behind their inexperienced offensive lines?
This is a big stage for two senior running backs, and each will have to fight for every yard behind inexperienced offensive lines. They both are capable of breaking big plays, so it will be interesting to see how they fare on Saturday night.
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