Why Chris Clemons Has Everything to Prove in Jacksonville Jaguars Training Camp

To put it simply, Chris Clemons was electric last season. He provided eight sacks, four forced fumbles and the immeasurable benefit of experience and a championship attitude.

While his 2014 was everything the Jacksonville Jaguars asked for, that doesn't mean he doesn't have anything to work for.

The team that Clemons joined a year ago has grown, and while Clemons is certainly good enough to start at his preferred "Leo" position, the competition for the spot has grown. It's not like Clemons, despite all his ability, has become a major presence in the locker room—especially in the offseason.

The hullabaloo that followed Clemons' absence from OTAs was unwarranted, especially considering that Clemons consistently skips voluntary practices every season. He prepares in his own way, and that's fine.

However, when a player is more detached than others from the whole squad like Clemons seems to be, it doesn't give him many points in head coach Gus Bradley's book.

Bradley is all about the attitude, and Clemons doesn't necessarily seem to be.

But that's the lesser of two problems for Clemons. The other issue is that he is now 33 years old and has three young pass-rushers who will look to take advantage of his fatigue and deterioration as he continues to age.

On June 20, Clemons told reporters why he misses OTAs and discussed other Jaguars-related topics:

This is not to mention that injuries become likelier once a player begins to reach his final years. It's not a wish, it's sadly a fact of the game, and Clemons will have that to worry about this season and in training camp.

There is no question that Clemons puts in the necessary work. However, his detachment from the team and the intense competition at his position mean he has a few questions to answer this training camp.

Ryan Davis, Andre Branch and Chris Smith are all young, eager players who have shown promise and a hunger for more reps on the field. Each is a solid pass-rusher who still has a bright future ahead of him, and that may mean the bench for Clemons.

For one of the three to possibly usurp Clemons' spot, he'll have to prove it in head-to-head competitions this training camp. Clemons is the definite starter as of right now, but any one of the three could shake up the order.

All three had impressive stats in 2014, especially for players coming off the bench. With a starting job potentially available—as well as the understanding that Dante Fowler Jr. will come back next season—all three will be looking to prove 2014 wasn't a fluke in this year's training camp.

	Solo Tackles	Sacks	Forced Fumbles	Fumble Recoveries
Ryan Davis	14	6.5	2	2
Chris Smith	4	3.0	1	0
Andre Branch	12	3.0	2	1

Of the three, Davis looks like the best overall option.

His 2014 was a big step forward, and unlike Clemons, he's at nearly every practice and is one of the many, many players who have bought into Bradley's attitude and system.

Branch and Smith are solid options as well. Smith had a good rookie year on the bench, and Branch also did well off the bench. He also totaled six sacks in 2013.

All three are battling for a roster spot, considering it's unlikely the Jaguars will bring four Leos on the roster. Their battle is much more intense than what Clemons is dealing with, but he should look at it as a warning.

Clemons is a fine player who's had a great career, but he can't go into training camp—or the preseason, for that matter—asleep.

It's unlikely he will, but if he's not performing at his best this training camp, there is a real chance he could find himself on the bench.

Do you think that Clemons will lose the starting job, or will he handle the pressure fine and be the starter again in 2015? Comment below and answer the poll!

All stats were provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter @evanreier.