Five Good Questions with . . . Paul Strelow of The State (Columbia, SC) about Gaines Adams

Today's segment of "Five Good Questions" is with Paul Strelow of The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C.....Paul covers Clemson football and provided some feedback about Gaines Adams, one of the top ranked defensive linemen, and other Clemson players who are preparing for this year's NFL Draft....

Q1. Many draft publications have Gaines Adams (photo) as the top rated defensive end. Tell us what makes Adams this highly rated.
Adams possesses what few at his position do -- the quickness and burst to mount a speed rush from the DE spot, while also retaining the size and strength to be an every-down player against the run. Adams still has his weaknesses -- he has yet to develop the counter interior move to offset the outside bull rush, and he must improve his hand techniques. But the raw tools are there.

Q2. Adams had 12.5 sacks and 16.5 TFL last season. Who currently in the NFL does he remind you of?
Simeon Rice, without the chip on his shoulder -- for better and for worse.

Q3. Cornerback C.J. Gaddis is rated low for his position. This is the same guy who held Calvin Johnson without a catch this season. Why is Gaddis rated so low?

Some feel he's a tweener between safety and corner. He's stout and a superb athlete, but he does not display a good feel for the game, nor does he make a ton of plays. It's true that Johnson was held without a catch, but that was as much Clemson's ability to rattle Tech QB Reggie Ball.

Q4. Draft publications have good and bad things to say about wide receiver Chansi Stuckey. What does Stuckey have to improve upon in order to be successful at the next level?
Someone as slight as Stuckey has to develop a niche to get his foot in the door. He is quick rather than fast, so if he can be a more consistent pass-catcher and make the adjustment to being a slot receiver who can take the beating going over the middle, he'll make a career for himself.

Q5. What future NFL draft "studs" are currently on the Clemson team who we should keep an eye on in the future?

Rising sophomore RB C.J. Spiller has future 1st-rounder written all over him. He's shifty with sprinter's speed and good vision, and in many circles has been compared to Reggie Bush. Senior LT Barry Richardson (6-7, 330) will be a first-day pick and possibly a 1st-rounder if he improves finishing his blocks. Junior RB James Davis, sophomore RG Thomas Austin and sophomore DE Ricky Sapp are guys to keep an eye on down the road as well.

I want to thank Paul Strelow for taking the time to respond.....it is much appreciated!!!....tomorrow we will hear from Sam Farmer of The Los Angeles Times about Dwayne Jarrett and the USC players who are preparing for the draft.....