Breakout seasons were in abundance for Clemson in 2023. The next year could be the same case for the Tigers.
With plenty of returning talent and a mass exodus of veterans, the door opens for some of the young talent to take over in larger roles. Here’s three players that could make a lot of noise with that opportunity
WR Misun Kelley
Looking back at fall camp, “Tink” was one of the players that really stood out during the open portions of practice. Head coach Dabo Swinney raved about him as well, but his season was cut short to redshirt as he needed surgery.
Kelley is an impressive athlete that can cause a lot of chaos for opposing defenses. He also got some reps as a returner, which could end up being his calling card. Don’t be surprised if he ends up on a Ray-Ray McCloud III trajectory. That’s how dynamic he could be.
Health is a key factor, and if all goes to plan after the surgery Swinney mentioned, Kelley can be a key part of Garrett Riley’s Year 2 offense.
RB Jay Haynes
This is a player who had a rushing and receiving touchdown in a single game, the one time he got ample opportunity as a freshman. With a lot of reps open after Will Shipley’s departure, Haynes could be first in line for the extra touches.
While Phil Mafah is the bruiser, Haynes is a speedster that can bring the change of pace Clemson has yearned for. I would also keep an eye on freshman David Eziomume, but Haynes is the safe bet here because he’s had a year in the system to prepare for this situation.
LB Kobe McCloud
Mentioning the McCloud family earlier, one of the brothers could bring some extra juice on the Tigers’ defensive end. Kobe McCloud saw an increase in reps towards the end of the season, and he had some strong moments in the Gator Bowl with three tackles.
It’s a high bar since Jeremiah Trotter Jr. left for the NFL, and McCloud is a rare style at 5-foot-10. That’s the caveat here though as Wes Goodwin can use him in a lot of ways alongside Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz. That type of athleticism is rare at the second level, and therein lies his potential role for Clemson.