Looking Ahead: WR

The state of the wide receivers at Clemson has had one significant change since TCI’s previous look ahead at position.

In mid-August, the assumption was that this would be Mike Williams’ last as a Tiger, but a season-ending neck injury against Wofford put life in the league on pause. He’ll return to Clemson in 2016, along with every other wide receiver on the roster not named Charone Peake.

Germone Hopper will be the only scholarship senior wide receiver on the roster. The Charlotte native has 21 catches for 317 yards and a touchdown this season.

Artavis Scott, who leads the team in receptions (84) and yards (805) and is tied for first with five touchdowns, will be a junior next year.

Deon Cain also has five touchdown grabs and is second with 582 yards. He’ll be a sophomore, along with Ray Ray McCloud, Hunter Renfrow and Trevion Thompson. Shadell Bell will be a redshirt freshman.

Two four-stars, T.J. Chase and Cornell Powell, will sign in February. Diondre Overton is the lone 2016 wide receiver target still on the board. His decision between Clemson and NC State will be announced on Jan. 2 at the Semper Fidelis All-America game.

Exactly how many wide receivers Clemson will take in 2016 is still up in the air, but the minimum appears to be two. Here are a few of the prospects we’re keeping an eye on:

Tee Higgins – Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Despite his commitment to Tennessee, Clemson was able to score a visit in the fall. The flip from Tennessee to Clemson by five-star quarterback Hunter Johnson hasn’t gone unnoticed either. A four-star, Higgins is the No. 7 wide receiver in the country, according to Rivals and 247.

J.J. Robinson – Lakeland, Fla.

One of the top 10 prospects on Rivals’ Top 100 list, Robinson is the top overall wide receiver. Clemson first had him on campus in June for the Dabo Swinney Football Camp. Jeff Scott & Co. scored a return visit in the fall for the Florida State game. Florida is also  thought to be among the top contenders.

Amari Rodgers – Knoxville Catholic – Tennessee

Rodgers was committed to Southern Cal when Clemson offered December. Two days later, he decommitted. His father, former Tennessee quarterback Tee Martin, was named offensive coordinator a few days ago. Clemson, Tennessee and USC are considered the top two choices for the No. 22 wide receiver (247).

OrTre Smith – Wando – Mt. Pleasant

Clemson pulled the trigger on an offer after Smith put together a very productive junior season. The son of a former Clemson volleyball player, Smith visited in the fall for the Florida State game. He’s ranked by Rivals as the country’s No. 9 wide receiver.

Shi Smith – Union

Like Rodgers, Smith is on the board to play the 2-position at Clemson, but Rivals and 247 clasify him as a four-star athlete. At last check, Clemson was listed as the leader, but the Carolina schools and Tennessee are also in the mix.