CLEMSON – Garrett Riley is in Year 2 at Clemson, and the tight end room is the room standing out in the spring.

It’s a position that Riley praised before even talking about the players the Tigers have in the role. Following the final scrimmage before the spring game, he talked about the knowledge necessary to play tight end.

“What those guys are asked to do in that room, it’s a lot. I mean, other than the quarterback, those tight ends have to learn a ton of football and they have to be smart football players and handle a lot of different things,” Riley said.

Leading this group for 2024 is Jake Briningstool. Head coach Dabo Swinney said he “prepares like a pro” and Riley agrees.

As a junior, Briningstool had 50 catches for 498 yards and five touchdowns. It was a strong showing, but it still felt like he could be even more dominant.

Riley expects him to take another step as a senior and it’s because of the way he’s evolving both physically and as a leader for the tight end room.

“His development physically is going to be huge for him next season. He’s a guy from a leadership standpoint, just a guy that people look to. I’ve really seen him make strikes in that area,” Riley said.

Another name to keep a close eye on is Josh Sapp. There was a glimpse into his potential last season with touchdowns against Charleston Southern and Georgia Tech.

Sapp is a hometown kid who played at Greenville High School and he came to Clemson ready as a pass-catcher. The improvements are coming through the run game, where Sapp said he’s focused on in the offseason.

Riley has seen the steps made in the spring and expects a strong showing in 2024.

“Josh Sapp is a guy that definitely has emerged. Skilled as a wideout type guy, skilled as a pass catcher but a guy that’s just really savvy. He’s become invested in the run game…look to have him have a big year,” Riley said.

However the room shapes out, the Tigers have multiple weapons at tight end in the passing game. It’s lethal because of that emphasis on the blocking side. Defenses will have to pick their poison if both Briningstool and Sapp are blocking well.

With the healthy receiver room, the tight ends could become the surprise stars and this pair is at the center of it.