July has arrived and the start of camp is on the horizon. In our Camp Countdown series we will look at each position and discuss some of the questions heading into camp.
In the third edition we take a look at the receivers.
Clemson put up 40 points on what many thought was one of the best college defenses ever in the national championship game. The Tigers certainly would have been even better if Deon Cain was not suspended and Mike Williams out with an injury. Clemson will have of the best groups of receivers ever assembled when they take the field against Auburn.
One of the big questions heading into camp is how will Mike Williams react to his first contact. Williams participated in spring practice but did not do anything that involved contact. Camp will be the first time Mike takes a hit since he was sidelined with a neck injury in the first game of the season. August will be great for the future first round pick as it will allow him to get over the mental hurdle of taking his first hits.
Another huge question for camp will be how the staff will get all of the playmakers at receiver touches. There is only one football and the staff will need to get all of the great receivers enough touches to get them prepared for the season and to keep their confidence level high.
With the crowded depth chart will a freshman show during camp that they deserve to be on the field this year. Keep an eye on Cornell Powell as he is our pick to find his way on the field this year and help the Tigers.
Deon Cain has returned to the team after missing the college football playoff. His growth at receiver was incredible last year after playing quarterback in high school. The big questions for Deon in camp is does he do the right things on and off the field. Another question will be after a year playing receiver has he taken his game to another level. If so that will be very scary for defenses.
We will also be watching to see if Artavis Scott has the burst back that he had his freshman season. Last year Scott had a big sophomore season where he led the team with 91 catches for 901 yards. Scott played a significant part of the season with an injury while still taking his game to the next level and becoming a complete receiver. Artavis will reach another level if he has the speed and burst back this season which we expect.
Ray Ray McCloud is another player that had his season impacted by an injury. The staff really challenged Ray Ray in the spring and he seemed to respond with more consistency. Camp will be critical for Ray Ray as he hopes to prove he deserves more snaps in the crowded depth chart at receiver.
Coach Scott has the best job in the country coaching such a great group of receivers. His challenge in camp will be to keep all of the playmakers happy while preparing to make the Clemson offense one of the best to ever play the game. It should be fun to watch how things sort themselves out during camp.
TCI’s Clemson preseason magazine is now available. Order your copy of Unfinished Business – An Insider Look at Clemson’s 2016 season today.
