Clemson’s 2015 class was ranked among the nation’s best. A number of the true freshmen will make a big impact this season as the Tigers push for another ACC Championship and hopefully a spot in the College Football playoff.
Which five freshmen will have the biggest impact for Clemson this season?
1a – Christian Wilkins
This is a tough call between Mitch Hyatt and Christian Wilkins. Both will have a huge impact so we will go with 1a and 1b. With the departure of D.J. Reader for some of the season Wilkins role has increased for the Tigers.
The truth is Wilkins would have played early and often even with Reader on the field, but his growth will now accelerate. The Tigers haven’t had a defensive tackle with the athleticism that Wilkins will bring to the position in a long time.
Expect Wilkins to make that freshmen All-American team and have a huge impact for the Tigers.
1b – Mitch Hyatt
Hyatt would have been a contributor this season, but with Battle’s sudden departure to the NFL his importance increased significantly. Mitch will be the guy to have Watson’s back this season. How he plays will be critical when the competition gets better later in September.
Hyatt has improved over the past month getting all the snaps with the ones at left tackle and going against one of the top defensive ends in practice every day. He brings some nasty to the offensive line as he has shown this month getting in several fights during practice. As the season progresses his game will reach a new level.
Expect Hyatt to also make the freshmen All-American team and have a huge impact for the Tigers this season.
3 – Ray Ray McCloud
Although Clemson has the best depth at receiver of any team in the nation, look for Ray Ray to make a significant contribution this season. Coach Swinney talked in camp about how the game is slower for Ray Ray already.
Ray Ray’s impact won’t just be at receiver. He will also make an impact this season on returns. The staff will look for ways to get the ball to McCloud in space where he gives the Tiger’s a chance to score every time he touches the ball.
McCloud will play behind Artavis Scott so he won’t have the same impact Sammy Watkins did as a freshman, but he will be a playmaker that will make key plays as the season moves along.
4 – Greg Huegel
Huegel was a name that nobody knew when camp started, but quickly became one of the biggest topics of conversation. With Lakip being suspended for the first three games, Huegel could have a huge impact on the Louisville game. That game could be the key to Clemson winning the Atlantic Division and another ACC Championship. Hopefully that game won’t come down to a field goal, but if it does Huegal will have as big of an impact on this season as any player.
Most assume Lakip will take the job back when he returns, but he will have to win it back. We will see how that battle goes based on how Huegel performs the first three games.
5 – Austin Bryant
The Tigers are in serious need of depth at defensive end. Bryant seems to be the freshmen ready to make the biggest impact. He will see time with the two’s early in the season. He is physically ready to get the job done and just needs some experience at this level.
Look for his game to improve as the season moves along. His development will be key as the Tigers look to build depth on the defensive line.
Honorable Mention
It was hard to keep Deon Cain off this list. He will certainly have a big impact for the Tigers this season, but with the depth chart at receiver right now the other five could have a bigger impact.
Make no mistake Cain will be one of the best receivers to ever play at Clemson.