This talented redshirt freshman is biding his time as he waits for his opportunity in Clemson’s deep receiver room.
And head coach Dabo Swinney says that time will eventually come for Misun “Tink” Kelley to get more action at receiver and be able to shine.
“He’s just, right now, backup slot,” Swinney said on Tuesday, regarding where Kelley fits in on the receiver depth chart right now. “I mean, he’s just gotta keep preparing. He’s a really good football player, and his time will come, for sure. He’s got some older guys in front of him, and he’s a redshirt freshman.”
Due in large part to Clemson’s crowded receiving corps and there being plenty of talent at the position, Kelley hasn’t recorded a catch thus far this season while playing just 38 offensive snaps through the first five games for the 10th-ranked Tigers (4-1, 3-0 ACC).
Swinney pointed out that injuries have been a factor for Kelley, who was in line for more playing time in his first year as a Tiger last season, but ended up being limited to only nine offensive snaps over two games while redshirting. The 5-foot-9, 190-pounder eventually underwent a minor surgery to repair an issue he had dealt with since his prep days.
Clemson wide receiver Misun Kelley (18) during the Tigers’ opening day of fall camp Friday, August 1, 2024. Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider
“Really hurt him, not being able to play last year, because there were two or three times he was going to go be the guy (as the starting slot receiver) and was hurt,” Swinney said. “So, had to have surgery, and so he’s still developing. A guy we’ve got a lot of confidence in, but he just hasn’t had much opportunity yet. But he will. He’s a redshirt freshman, got it all in front of him.”
Swinney compared Kelley’s situation to another former Daniel High School standout – redshirt sophomore defensive end Jahiem Lawson, who has emerged as an important contributor for Clemson this season after redshirting in 2022 and playing in just four games last season.
“Jahiem Lawson didn’t play, either, as a redshirt or a redshirt freshman,” Swinney said. “And then this year, he’s a redshirt sophomore and all y’all are asking me about Jahiem Lawson, and that’s because he just kept putting the work in. And Tink will be the same way. If he’ll stay the course, keep putting the work in, you’ll look up and he’s going to make a lot of plays for us.”
A dynamic and versatile two-way athlete, Kelley finished his high school career with 91 catches for more than 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns receptions, to go with 86 tackles, eight interceptions and four pass breakups on defense.
Kelley also averaged 26 yards on kickoff returns and 14 on punt returns, finishing his time at Daniel with more than 2,200 all-purpose yards.
Swinney noted that that Kelley has been getting reps on multiple special teams units, in addition to his backup slot receiver role.
“He’s starting on punt return,” Swinney said. “He’s a backup on punt, he’s a backup on kickoff. So, he’s in the mix on the two-deep (depth chart at receiver). But just waiting for an opportunity. (There’s only) one ball.”
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