So far, we have examined two areas of Clemson’s roster that will deal with major personnel losses heading into next season. Both lines of scrimmage will be attempting to function without an abundance of proven veteran players, but that will not be the case with the Tigers’ receiving corps—not by a long shot.
First of all, quarterback Deshaun Watson’s top two targets last season return in junior [autotag]Mike Williams[/autotag] and sophomore [autotag]Artavis Scott[/autotag]. That pair of receivers combined to catch 133 passes for 1,995 yards in 2014. That’s 45.5 percent of the catches and 58.8 percent of the yards for the entire corps.
There is a legitimate discussion about which is better, although they both have clearly defined roles within the program. Williams is a bona fide field-stretcher whose freakish frame and basketball background can make him nearly impossible to contain on deep balls. Scott, meanwhile, did much of his damage in the screen game a year ago, although he always seemed capable of doing more. Both players earned rave reviews in spring ball and should be able to improve on their respective numbers next season.
Of the “other guys” in the receiving corps, only Adam Humphries (graduation) and Demarre Kitt (transfer) are gone from last season. Germone Hopper is heading into his junior campaign with a lot still to prove. We know the knock on him by heart—lack of focus, off-field issues, needs to be more consistent. Hopper’s talent on the gridiron, however, has never come into question. He should get yet another chance to prove his worth in 2015.
Allusions to “a healthy [autotag]Charone Peake[/autotag]” are often made, but that particular player has been seen around Clemson as much as Bigfoot. (I was going to say black bears, but, you know…) Peake’s health would be a huge boost to the Clemson offense, and the returns out of spring ball indicate he is expected to be close to full strength when August camp breaks. Even when he begins the season at full strength, though, Peake has struggled to avoid debilitating season-ending injuries throughout his career. Bottom line: If healthy, he’s a stud…but that’s a big “if” at this point.
Preferred walk-on Hunter Renfrow may contribute at some point, as well. Renfrow became somewhat of a legend during spring ball by making contributions in a number of seemingly unrelated ways, including both punting and receiving punts. The coaching staff loves his work ethic, and that alone could push him onto the field at times in the fall.
Redshirt freshman Trevion Thompson is also poised to break out this season. During 2014, the staff repeatedly raved about his contributions in practice. There were rumblings he might have been able to compete for playing time if the decision hadn’t already been made to redshirt him. Big things are expected for this lanky receiver as the primary backup to Williams on the outside.
Of course, perhaps the most anticipated contributions at receiver could come from a pair of freshmen set to join the Tigers in a few weeks. One observer compared [autotag]Deon Cain[/autotag] to a combination of Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins. I don’t think such a human being exists, but if Cain fits that billing, it will be a special season in Tigertown.
There has not been quite as much hoopla surrounding [autotag]Ray-Ray McCloud[/autotag] III, but the athlete should be able to get onto the field all over the place with the capability to make an impact. The plan is to utilize him as a slot receiver, a tailback, perhaps a wildcat quarterback—anything to take advantage of his quickness and speed. McCloud’s presence could also allow Clemson to use Scott more often past the line of scrimmage, which wasn’t the case often enough a year ago.
The tight end position at Clemson had become a breeding ground for NFL players in recent years, but the entire group struggled in 2014. Both Jordan Leggett and Stanton Seckinger dealt with injuries last season, while presumed starter Sam Cooper (since graduated) had a freak pregame injury prior to the opener at Georgia. Leggett and Seckinger return having combined for 23 catches and 283 yards, along with a touchdown apiece. Leggett is perhaps a more naturally gifted player, while Seckinger is older and has been a more consistent performer overall.
The whole group can get a boost if Jay Jay McCullough can stay on the roster. In and out of the doghouse since day one, McCullough was reinstated to the team at the end of spring practice after a suspension that lasted more than four months. His talent is unmistakable, but McCullough will need to be more trustworthy if he is to impact the Tigers this fall. Milan Richard and Cannon Smith are both expected to play significant roles this fall coming off a redshirt seasons. Dabo praised both this spring.
A pair of freshman signees—wideout Shadell Bell and tight end Garrett Williams—will arrive for fall camp, but both are currently slated to redshirt this season unless circumstances change. Williams has the better chance to earn playing time in a pinch given the lack of true depth that exists at tight end.