Why are Friday nights so important to the Clemson University football program? It’s quite simple; they hold the keys to the Tigers’ future success.

As big-time prospects continue to shine during their senior season, Clemson further cements itself as one of the premier powerhouses in college football.

Which recruits led their teams to victory in Week 5?

Tee Higgins continues to validate his ranking as the No. 2 receiver in the 2017 recruiting class, helping Oak Ridge (Tenn.) to a 45-8 blowout win. Higgins boasted a ridiculous state line yet again with 149 yards on eight catches, while scoring three times.  The thought of having to cover a 6-foot-5 195-pound receiver will give opposing cornerbacks and defensive coordinators headaches next year.

Coming in as one of the most highly touted and physically gifted wide receiver recruits in Clemson history, the possible combination of Higgins and freshman Diondre Overton (also 6-5) streaking down the sidelines could be deadly.

Trezevant (Tenn.) running back Cordarrian Richardson carried the ball an unbelievable 34 times for 254 yards on Friday night. He also punched in a touchdown and a two-point conversion while carrying his team to a 30-14 victory.

Richardson plays smash-mouth, big-boy football, and at 6-foot, 220, he is a deadly combination of power and speed.

Quarterback Chase Brice makes his first appearance on this list, going 9-for-13 for 148 yards and three scores, while leading Grayson (Ga.) to a big 39-14 win. Although Brice sits in the shadow of No. 1 quarterback recruit Hunter Johnson, he should be on every Clemson fans list of players to watch for next year given his big-time arm and playing ability. He should challenge Johnson and freshman Zerrick Cooper for the starting job come next summer.

Johnson rounds out this week’s list of Clemson’s top performing recruits, leading Brownsburg (Ind.) to a 5-0 record after a 14-10 victory on Friday night. Johnson led his team back from a 10-0 deficit, throwing two unanswered touchdowns, including a 47-yard bomb. With his talent level, he will most likely compete for the starting job next year.

The possibility of a strong rapport between Johnson and Higgins (see above) could look scarily similar to Deshaun Watson and Mike Williams.