By Heath Bradley.

Over the next few articles we will be detailing players we expect to have their best season as a Tiger to date. While some of these players may already be impact players, we see this season as having the potential to be a career year. A year that could potentially go down in the record books, for others it could be the year that alerts the nation of their presence in Tigertown. Overall, these are five players we expect to make a great impact for the Tigers in 2012.

WR- DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins is no stranger to the spotlight here at Clemson University. In his two seasons at Clemson, Hopkins has caught 124 passes for 1615 yards and two touchdowns. After finishing a standout career at nearby Daniel High School, Hopkins brought his talents to Clemson, where he made an immediate impact as a true freshman. In his freshman campaign of 2010, Hopkins caught 52 passes for 637 yards and four touchdowns. Following the 2010 football season, he even spent time on the hardwood for the Tigers, helping the Tigers reach the NCAA Tournament.

He picked up right where he left off in 2011, his 72 receptions made him only the second player in ACC History to catch over 50 passes in each of their first two seasons. His 978 receiving yards were also sixth most in Clemson history in a season.  He also became the primary return man for punts, returning 10 punts on the season. While he did not return many punts, he was a sure handed return man, who made sure the talented Clemson offense was given a chance to take the field.

Hopkins became the only Clemson player in history to have two 100-yard receiving games in bowl games with his 10 catches for 107 yards and a touchdown in the Orange Bowl. Hopkins has also caught at least one pass in 21 straight games. He did not appear in the 2010 Maryland game due to injury. If counting the games he has appeared in Hopkins has caught a pass in 25 of his 26 career games. Entering the 2012 season Hopkins is also the career leader for receptions per game average with 4.8 as well as receiving yards per game with 62.1 yards per game.

2012 should be no different for Hopkins. In fact, we believe he will have his best year in a Clemson uniform. With defense having to direct more of a focus on Sammy Watkins and other playmakers after big 2011 seasons, Hopkins is poised to be the recipient of more opportunities in Clemson’s high powered offense. Hopkins has also been able to commit his time solely to football. Choosing not to play basketball in the 2011-12 season allowed Hopkins to take part in his first off-season conditioning program as a Tiger. Hopkins had a great winter and spring, adding size while gaining speed. This mixed with his already exceptional ball skills place have him poised for a great season.

Look for his sure hands to be a frequent target for Boyd. Also expect him to be part of a number of big plays for the Tigers. While his number of receptions may stay around the same from 2011, expect his yards per catch to increase as well as his touchdowns. A 75 catch 1250 yard receiving season is definitely not out of the question for Hopkins. Hopkins and Watkins give Clemson a chance to have two First-Team All-ACC receivers in 2012.