By Will Vandervort.
Today we continue our countdown on who are Clemson’s Most Important Players for 2014.
Don’t get this confused by who are the best. Some of these guys on the list might be the best at their respected positions, but this list concentrates on which players are the most important to the Tigers’ overall success this coming fall.
This list takes into account Clemson’s strengths and weaknesses, depth at certain positions and the importance at each position.
3. Artavis Scott, 5-11, 185, Fr. – Scott is a four-star recruit from East Lake Tapron Springs, Fla. He is known as a speedster and has been described as a cross between Jacoby Ford and Sammy Watkins. He had a very good spring and comes into the summer second on the depth chart behind Adam Humphries.
Why is he vital? Scott brings speed and elusiveness to the wide receiver position that the Tigers lost when Watkins turned pro following the Orange Bowl. Though he is not totally like Watkins, Scott gives the offense big-play potential, enough to keep defenses honest. Offensive coordinator Chad Morris wants to get him the ball in space, on reverses and make him a big-play threat in the vertical passing game as well.
Quotable: “Artavis is electric. He is very quick in space. We saw that a few times (in the spring game). We have seen that all spring.” –offensive coordinator Chad Morris
Best case: Scott shows his worth in the Georgia game as he has two game-changing plays that break the Bulldogs’ backs. This propels the freshman to a great first season, similar to the one Watkins had in his first year back in 2011.
Worst Case: Scott plays like a freshman and struggles early in the year. Though I believe he will become a major player in Morris’ offense, his early struggles can cause the offense, as a whole to struggle, as defenses key on the running game, forcing Clemson’s young and inexperienced receiving corps to step up and make plays.
Final word: Morris, head coach Dabo Swinney and quarterback Cole Stoudt praised Scott’s ability in the spring. All three believe the freshman can play a significant role in the fall. Of course until he proves it under the lights in Athens, Ga., on Aug. 30, there will be a lot of skeptics. If the Tigers can get 50 or 60 catches out of him this season, the offense will not miss a beat even without Watkins and Martavis Bryant.