Jay Guillermo

It isn't often that a center generates buzz in the fan base but as the top-rated prep pivot in the country and No. 1 overall high school prospect out of the talent-rich state of Tennessee in 2012, Guillermo's signing with Clemson drew plenty of attention. He did not immediately play up to this billing, redshirting his first season with the Tigers and only starting over the next years and that was only due to an injury to the team's normal starter, Ryan Norton. Guillermo looked like a different player in 2015, however. He was named the Renwick-Flanders Most Improved Player on offense and earned the ACC's Offensive Lineman of the Week three times, the most by any Clemson blocker since 1989 (Stacy Long). Guillermo earned Second Team All-ACC honors for the year and built upon that as a senior, with conference coaches naming him to the First Team. Guillermo is also a player worth rooting for. He showed resiliency in fighting through a well-documented bout with depression that saw his weight balloon to 365 pounds, had him taking multiple medications and even, reportedly, considering suicide at one point. Since, he went on to enjoy the best two seasons of his college career, including supplying the key block right up the middle to spring running back Wayne Gallman into the end zone and give the Tigers its first lead (4:38 remaining in the fourth quarter) of the national championship game. STRENGTHS: Possesses a blocky frame with square shoulders and a stout lower body. Uses his natural leverage advantage and good core flexibility to anchor. Good initial quickness, including when releasing to the second level on screens and in the running game, frequently coming through with effective down blocks to spring big plays. Scrappy. Understands angles and works to block his opponent however necessary, keeping his legs driving through contact. Good awareness of stunts and blitzes, showing enough mental and physical quickness to recognize and react. WEAKNESSES: Only average size for the position with less-than-ideal arm length. Catches rather than controls opponents, too often getting pushed around due to a lack of core strength. Too high with his hand placement, frequently hitting defenders at the top of the numbers and struggling to sustain blocks for very long. Just average change of direction and anticipation when blocking at the second level, too often arriving there only to see his assignment slip by. Inconsistent accuracy on his shotgun snaps. Comes with some off-field concerns after battling depression and weight-gain earlier in his career. Suffered a broken right foot in 2014 that may require a closer look by team doctors. IN OUR VIEW: Guillermo possesses the quickness and grit to compete for a roster spot but he is not as highly regarded among scouts as he was recruiters back in 2012.