CLEMSON – Clemson’s first spring scrimmage in Death Valley took place Saturday, and the Tigers stars continue to praise its new playmaker.
Freshman wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. made four touchdown catches in practice over the week leading into the scrimmage, and it’s a boost the offense desperately needed in 2024. The two most productive offensive players for Clemson last year had plenty to say about him as well.
Tight end Jake Briningstool said it’s a “pick your poison” battle against this offense now, and Wesco’s impact is key in that effort. Following the scrimmage, he detailed what Wesco has shown through a couple weeks of practice.
“He’s been great. He came in in January, we had a bunch of pre-spring workouts and throwing sessions and he was always there. Just being a consistent guy just always showing up,” Briningstool said. “Ever since practice started, he’s a freak. He just goes out there and makes plays. Great ball skills, take the top off the defense and I think that’s going to be a big thing that we’ll need to help our offense explode next year.”
The one who may appreciate a high-octane passing game is running back Phil Mafah. During Saturday’s scrimmage, Mafah said Wesco was the one who stood out and made a bigtime catch at one point.
“It was a two minute drive and it was a fade ball and he just tipped the ball and then caught it with one hand so that was awesome to see,” Mafah said. “He’s a consistent guy, he works, he’s not too cool to work and he wants to get better and you can just tell that he takes it seriously and that’s what it takes.”
Going more into what he’s seen from Wesco, Mafah said he’s reminded of NFL star CeeDee Lamb, who also made a massive name for himself in college. It’s a fitting comparison because Lamb was 172 pounds coming out of high schools and grew into his body and strength, now at 200 in the NFL.
If that’s Wesco’s trajectory, the Tigers are in for a treat and Mafah said he wants to constantly “encourage that growth.” It’s still early, but every story about Wesco has started with a smile on someone’s face and Clemson can take a big step if he matches the hype in the fall.