The remaining 10 members of Clemson’s 2017 signing class arrived on campus June 25, joining early enrollees Hunter Johnson, Logan Rudolph, Baylon Spector and Blake Vinson.
The Clemson Insider gives a scouting report on each of the newcomers. We break down what the player does best, what he can do to earn playing time as a freshman, his future outlook and more.
Name: Tee Higgins
Position: Wide Receiver
Height, Weight: 6-4, 190
Hometown (High School): Oak Ridge, Tenn. (Oak Ridge HS)
Prospect rankings: 4-star, No. 2 WR, No. 2 state, No. 18 national (ESPN); 5-star, No. 2 WR, No. 1 state, No. 15 national (Rivals); 4-star, No. 4 WR, No. 1 WR in state, No. 40 national (Scout); 4-star, No. 4 WR, No. 3 state, No. 34 national (247Sports)
High school stats & accolades: As a senior, had 68 receptions for 1,044 yards and 18 touchdowns… As a junior, had 46 receptions for 841 yards and 16 touchdowns… named 5A Back of the Year by the Tennessee Titans in 2015… Under-Armour All-American and second-team USA Today All-American in 2016… Mr. Football in Tennessee at the 5A level in 2015 and 2016
Strengths: What’s not to like about Higgins? He is a rare talent with all of the tools to be a great receiver at the collegiate level and beyond — size, speed, length, ball skills, leaping ability and so forth. It’s hard to pinpoint strengths here because he is a complete receiver and does everything well. He can take the top off of a defense and has a long wingspan that helps him haul in tough catches. He is fun to watch because he is such a fluid and dynamic athlete with a knack for making highlight-reel catches.
What he can do to earn playing time as freshman: With Mike Williams now a pro, Higgins is well positioned to see significant time in Clemson’s receiver rotation behind Deon Cain at the “9” spot. Higgins could benefit by refining his route-running and adding weight and upper-body strength to his frame.
Future outlook: Higgins looks to be an instant-impact player, and his upside his enormous. Is he the next Sammy Watkins? Maybe. He has first-round pick potential, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he left a similar legacy when his Clemson career is over. Higgins is a generational type of prospect and has a chance to put his stamp on WRU.
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