A gasp of disbelief was all that could be heard in Clemson’s Memorial Stadium as the Tigers’ leading receiver, Mike Williams, ran into a goalpost on a touchdown reception against Wofford in the season opener.

The small neck fracture Williams suffered would put him out for the rest Clemson’s historical season in 2015.

Williams, 6-foot 4, 220 pounds, was a huge asset, as he accumulated over 1,000 receiving yards during the previous year. It was an overwhelming moment as fellow wide receiver Charone Peake watched Williams being carted off the field.

Knowing he had some big shoes to fill, Peake knew this was his opportunity to prove his talents at wide receiver.

“It’s amazing talent we lost and I guess in the position I was in, I’m going to have to switch over a little bit and increase my role, but I think I’ll be fine,” the senior said at the time of the injury. “I know the offense pretty well. I have played all three positions since I have been here. It’s nothing new to me.”

Playing on the same team as All- Americans Deandre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins, Peake proved he was a true threat on the outside, catching four passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns against Appalachian State the following week. One of those receptions was a 59-yard bomb from quarterback Deshaun Watson.

His explosive comeback did not stop there. Peake led the Tigers with 153 receiving yards and 10 receptions during the Orange Bowl Classic and had six catches for 99 yards during Clemson’s appearance in the National Championship Game.

Peake’s talent did not come as a surprise to Clemson’s coaching staff and teammates though.

“It was good for Charone, but it was not a surprise for us coaches,” co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Jeff Scott said. “We have seen it through spring and fall camp. It was really a matter of Charone getting those opportunities and then capitalizing on them, and he did.”

As Williams’ replacement on the boundary, Peake finished the year second in terms of yards and receptions as he hauled in 50 passes for 716 yards, while scoring five touchdowns. The senior averaged 14.3 yards per reception.

Peake, who has successfully come back from a torn ACL, now has the opportunity to take his talent to the next level as he will compete in the Senior Bowl on this Saturday in hopes of enhancing his draft status going into the NFL.

“He did a great job. The guy has been around. He is a vet,” Watson said.

He’s a guy that took advantage of his opportunity.