By William Qualkinbush.

Two months ago, Mike Williams did not look like anybody’s go-to receiver.

Chad Morris and the rest of the offensive coaching staff were frustrated with his lack of overall progress. They thought he lacked the physical toughness and consistency necessary to be an every-down option in Morris’ option. Morris says he even considered moving Williams to better mask his weaknesses.

“I thought he had an average-at-best fall camp,” Morris said. “As a matter of fact, I was disappointed in him at fall camp. We really challenged him to see how he was going to respond.”

Williams had improved a bit before the start of the season, but as the year has progressed, Morris has been increasingly satisfied with the sophomore wideout’s play. The Santee native has transformed himself from a question mark to the Tigers’ leading receiver in a matter of weeks, including a six-catch, 155-yard performance in Saturday’s 41-0 shellacking of North Carolina State. The game happened to fall on his 20th birthday and featured his career-long reception: a 56-yard strike from Deshaun Watson that led off the scoring for the Tigers.

The sophomore leads the Tigers with 21 receptions and 520 yards this season. His average of 24.7 yards per catch ranks third in the ACC and is just outside the top ten nationally.

The statistics show that Williams has been a consistent performer all season, but he has been especially productive when Watson is at quarterback. Over the past two games, Williams has 12 catches for 277 yards and all four of his touchdowns—all with Watson throwing him the football.

“I can just throw it up, and I know he’s going to come down with it,” Watson said. “Whenever the ball comes his way, he’s just a freak athlete, and he can go up there and make plays.”

The Watson-to-Williams combination has emerged as a downfield force in ACC play for Morris’ offense. The Clemson offensive coordinator continues to tap into Williams’ ability, calling on him to stretch the field vertically and work underneath safeties in downfield coverage.

“Pressing me is kind of tough. Playing off is kind of tough,” Williams said. “I’m just going out there and playing with a lot of confidence.”

There are several reasons why Williams would be the primary option for Watson as the freshman cuts his teeth as the starting quarterback. Williams has length and size—his 6’4” frame is difficult to miss out on the field—and huge hands that have become more reliable over time. His long strides allow him to outrun defensive backs without moving too quickly, and his basketball background allows him to naturally utilize his body to shield defenders in the air.

Morris sees Williams using these skills on a more regular basis, but he also sees Watson integrating the lanky receiver into the game more seamlessly now. He recognizes the impact Watson is having on Williams and the other wideouts, particularly his ability to throw the deep ball.

“They all respond to him,” Morris said of his freshman quarterback. “I said that a week ago, that this guy would provide a spark for our offense, for the entire football team. I think you see guys feed off of him.”

As Williams continues to mature and produce in tandem with Watson, his focus is simple and singular.

“I’m just trying to be great,” he said. “I’m trying to do the things great people do.”