On Monday, Clemson took the practice fields for the first time since returning from spring break. The defending national champions have five more spring practices left before the spring game on April 8th.
Following practice, the media spoke to wide receiver Cornell Powell, who had 12 receptions for 87 yards as a true freshman last season.
All in all, Powell is looking forward to the opportunity to take on a bigger role this season and help maintain the greatness the Clemson football program has created.
Question: Is this the hardest wide receiver group to break into in the nation?
Powell: “We definitely have the best receiving group in the nation. Even when you’re talented you still have to put that much more work in and prove yourself. Other guys at other programs, they think it’s easy over here. It’s just as hard because we have so many top tier guys from around the country. Every day we come in here and we compete with each other and we make each other better.”
Question: Where have you been working out the most?
Powell: “The two, where Artavis (Scott) played last year. Me and Ray-Ray (McCloud) will hold it down this year.”
Question: What are the biggest things you’ve learned from playing last year that you can now apply to a bigger role this year?
Powell: “I learned game speed, tempo, and just technique. It really helps you at this level. Everybody is really talented, so you have to have proper technique to outwork the other guy.”
Question: With this wide receiver group, is there one or two guys that have stepped up as leader?
Powell: “I think Deon (Cain), (Hunter) Renfrow, Ray-Ray, all those guys are really stepping up. We understand that there’s no more Mike (Williams), there’s no more Artavis. So, we have to come together and contribute equally. Whether it’s Jack Swinney or Deon Cain, there shouldn’t be a drop off with any of our guys.”
Question: Are you hoping to be more of a contributor on special teams?
Powell: “Definitely. I’m ready for my opportunity, whatever it is. Coach Swinney knows what’s best and knows who can help us best and where, so I’m just going off him. Wherever he tells me, I’ll go out there and do my best at it.”
Question: Is it fun battling out there with Ray-Ray every day?
Powell: “Definitely. He’s a good guy and an off the field comedian, but when we get into those lines, he knows how to turn it on and get serious, so it’s fun.”
Question: You two are two different types of receivers. What do you think each of you bring to the table?
Powell: “I think I bring strength and physicality and he brings speed and quickness. Together, we can do some damage.”
Question: Coaches have said they’ve seen Ray-Ray really take the next step. Have you seen him really grow in terms of his leadership this spring?
Powell: “Yeah. It all started in meeting rooms. Our first meeting, he was there, attentive, and then it translated to the field. He’s ready to be that guy. He played behind Artavis last year, but this year he has to step up and make big time plays, so he’s ready for it.”
Question: How cool is it that you have a guy like Artavis and a guy like Ray-Ray that you can continue that sequence coming in behind those guys?
Powell: “I’m just blessed to be here and have this opportunity. I’m ready to make those guys proud because I know that I’m going to be taking the reigns over sooner or later, so I’m ready to step up.”
Question: Have you been working on both kickoff and punt returns?
Powell: “Yeah, I’m doing a little of both. Wherever Coach wants me to play, I’ll play.”
Question: Is all of this easier to do with Diondre (Overton)?
Powell: “It’s definitely easier having someone from back home come up here and play college football with you and he’s my roommate, too. We’ve always had a bond. We feed off each other. When he makes a play, I’m the first one to root for him.”
Question: Do you two sit there and talk about this season and what could happen?
Powell: “Definitely, we had a limited role last year, but we know we’re better than that. We’re ready to show and prove to the whole country, first we have to prove it to the coaches, that were ready to take that next step and be top guys.”
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