Clemson Freshmen Go Full ‘Fab Five’ vs. Georgia Tech
By: Cameron Burnett November 12, 2023

CLEMSON – Freshmen have made splash plays for the Clemson Tigers in 2023, but nothing like how the group took over against Georgia Tech.

Wide receiver Tyler Brown got the party started with possibly the highlight of the Clemson season to take the lead. Quarterback Cade Klubnik trusted Brown, and he came down with a one-handed catch to take a 14-7 lead. It was a reiteration of the scramble drill that was so crucial in Brown’s big game against Syracuse, but this one had extra icing.

After the game, Brown talked about the catch and admitted it’s one of the best he’s made in his career.

“Scramble drill. Tell (Klubnik) give me a chance, he gave me a chance and I made it happen,” Brown said. “It’s definitely up there. I can’t think of any right now so we’re gonna say yeah.”

As if Brown’s highlight wasn’t enough, cornerback Avieon Terrell made just as impressive of a catch. Following a quick change on a Clemson turnover, Terrell was tested by Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King.

That was a mistake Terrell punished, and he made a one-handed interception. It wasn’t scripted for him to do so in the moment, but he had told Brown that it was his turn to match the energy.

“I told him when he got to the sideline, I had to get me one and I told him I got him so it was just crazy that it happened. I tried to go up with two hands, but I couldn’t. He had my other arm so I couldn’t get my other arm up,” Terrell said.

Brown saw the moment, and the smile he had talking about it was likely the same as his reaction on the field. He’s focused on doing “whatever it takes to help my team win” and seeing his teammates shine is his pride and joy.

“I love to see it, man. When he had that catch, I’m sprinting towards 20. Offense had to be out there quick so I couldn’t find him right then but I just love to see stuff like that…all my guys eating, I just love to see stuff like that. I’m going to be in their corner every time when stuff like that happens,” Brown said.

Not to be outdone, two other freshmen defensive backs got in on the fun. Khalil Barnes became the first player in the Dabo Swinney era to have multiple forced fumbles and interceptions in their freshman season.

Cornerback Shelton Lewis may have had the best day of all. He had four pass breakups, and jumped a pass for a 46-yard pick six.

“Just knowing the situation, I jumped it, took it back to the crib and celebrated with my team,” Lewis said. “I just know I had to play the sticks and drive my receiver and look for the ball and that’s what I did.”

Lewis said that without the fans, “none of this is possible” and it’s fair to say that sentiment goes both ways. Redshirt freshman Kylon Griffin made an interception of his own, piling up a long list of big plays for the young talent.

Clemson will lose a lot of key veterans after this season, but the young talent is proving that the Tigers won’t be taking a step down any time soon.