CLEMSON — For the first time in more than 10 years, there will be more questions than answers heading into Clemson’s spring football practice, which is set to begin Monday afternoon behind the Jervey Athletic Complex.

With new coaches, new philosophies and new schemes being taught and learned over the next 34 days, the questions head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff face over the next 15 practices should shape the team they field come Sept. 5 against Middle Tennessee.

Though we don’t have the space to answer all the questions, here are some of the more important questions heading into spring workouts.

1. Who will come out of the spring as the starting quarterback?

This is probably the million-dollar question. Willy Korn was supposed to be the man in waiting when Cullen Harper graduated but shoulder injuries in each of the last two seasons, plus the fact he lost his confidence in his throwing motion and mechanics prior to surgery in January have many wondering whether he can come out of the spring as the starting quarterback.

Some think this might be a perfect opportunity for All-ACC baseball player Kyle Parker to come in and steal the job this spring, but how much focus will Parker have and can he really win a starting job while trying to juggle school work as well as trying to get out of a hitting slump on the diamond.

Michael Wade and Jon Richt will also get some reps with the first team as Swinney and offensive coordinator Billy Napier see if there is a guy who can separate himself from the pack. Swinney says the job may not get settled this spring and could carry over into the season.

2. Who will replace Mark Buchholz at placekicker?

Over the last two seasons, Buchholz became one of the more reliable kickers in the country. The two-sport star (football and soccer) never missed an extra point in his career and was 15-of-21 on field goals last season. He set single-season records for points scored and field goals two seasons ago and is the all-time leader in extra points made, and he did it all in just two seasons.

So whoever replaces him will be an important piece of the puzzle for Clemson to answer in the spring. Is Spencer Benton the guy? Can he step up and get it done. Is it Richard Jackson? Or is punter Dawson Zimmerman going to do it all or is there somebody else that isn’t in school.

3. Who will be the playmakers to emerge?

With Aaron Kelly and all of his accolades and countless records gone as well as Tyler Grisham’s sure hands on third-and-long and James Davis’ rushing yards and touchdowns, who will step up and help running back C. J. Spiller and wide receiver Jacoby Ford as playmakers?

Is Xavier Dye ready to be the man? Clemson is sure to have players that are happy that some of those guys are gone, and now they are getting their opportunity to prove they can be the go-to guy and playmaker. Will it be Marquan Jones or Jaron Brown? Is it Brandon Clear?

“I’m excited to see these guys step up,” Swinney said. “I can’t wait to see Jamie Harper and Andre Ellington and see how they have developed, but we have to get them in the right places and give them opportunities to do what they like to do.”

4. Who will be at safety?

It’s kind of hard to believe that safety nets like Michael Hamlin and Chris Clemons will no longer be in the Clemson secondary. These two have been the anchor of the defense these last two seasons and their skills and leadership will be missed.

With that said, new Clemson secondary coach Charlie Harbison is anxious to see his young safeties at work. DeAndre McDaniel has the ability to be as good as or maybe better than Hamlin and Clemons.

“I’m excited he is moving back because that is his natural position,” Swinney said. “I’m anxious to see our young guys in Carlton Lewis, Rashard Hall, see where Spencer Adams is in the second half and Sadat Chambers.

“It is his opportunity to be a starter now.”

5. Who will be the wide receivers?

Over the last four seasons, nobody caught more passes than Aaron Kelly, not just at Clemson, but also in the history of the ACC. Those will be big shoes for any guy, so can Dye prove he is the one to step in those shoes or will it be Brandon Clear or freshman Brandon Ford?

It could be Brown, who the coaches think is the most dynamic receiver the Tigers have had in quite some time.

“We are really excited about him. He can be a multiple position-type guy,” Swinney said. “He is really physical and he can play the X, which is a critical position for us, but he is athletic and fast enough he can play the A and Z.

“He is a smart enough player. He will be an intriguing guy as we move through the spring with him.”

Swinney and position coach Jeff Scott also look forward to watching Jones, Terrence Ashe and East Carolina transfer Kyle Johnson.