When the term “most important” is given when describing a ranking of one player over another, it does not necessarily describe who the best players are on a team. Instead, it tells us the main or most important part of the team, without which it cannot really exist.
In other words, could Clemson have reached the College Football Playoff Championship Game last year without Deshaun Watson? And would they have had him there had those other “important” players had not been in place either.
Who are Clemson’s “Most Important Players” for 2016? We at The Clemson Insider have our own idea, and today we reveal who is No. 17.
Mike Williams
Is Williams one of Clemson’s best players? Absolutely he is. But, can the Tigers win without him? I think we all know the answer to that question.
With the emergence of Deon Cain and Hunter Renfrow, and the versatility of Artavis Scott, the Tigers proved they don’t just have one primary receiver in their offense. They have has many as seven guys on their two deep depth chart that can come in and be just as productive as the guy in front of them.
It’s not a knock on Williams or Scott to be ranked low on our list, it’s just a simple fact that Clemson has the best corps of receivers in the country, and because of that it brings down the individual importance level of each.
However, getting Williams back makes the Tigers even better. In 2014, Williams, who injured his neck in Week 1 against Wofford and missed the rest of the season, caught 57 passes for 1,030 yards and six touchdowns.
At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Williams has the range to go up and get a pass whether it is a deep one or in the red zone. His long strides also make him a vertical threat, while his ability to throw his body on the line for diving catches tells his quarterback he is going to go after every ball that is thrown his way.
The Deshaun Watson to Mike Williams’ connection was lethal in 2014, with Watson now two years older and Williams a budding star, it’s going to be even more deadly this fall.
TCI’s Clemson preseason magazine is now available. Order your copy of Unfinished Business – An Insider Look at Clemson’s 2016 season today.
