Clemson has a rich tradition at wide receiver, having consistently produced NFL talent at the position since Dabo Swinney took over as head coach back in 2009. As a result, the program was labeled “Wide Receiver U.”

However, that reputation has taken a bit of a hit over the past couple of years as the Tigers’ production at receiver has dipped.

Now, the current Clemson receiving corps is entering the upcoming season with a renewed “Wide Receiver U” mentality. The Tigers’ wideouts want to earn that title back with their play on the field – and that’s evidenced by their new T-shirts, courtesy of rising junior receiver Adam Randall.

“He gave us those shirts and it said ‘Wide Receiver U,’ and then under it, it says ‘Prove It,’ because we haven’t proven it these last couple years,” redshirt sophomore Antonio Williams said on Wednesday.

“That’s the standard here, and probably three, four, five years ago, we were at that point where we were mentioned as ‘Wide Receiver U.’ So, I think just as a group, we have to have the mentality to get back there and just not say it but go and prove it this year.”

There is pressure that comes with trying to meet the lofty standard set by a lot of prolific Clemson pass-catchers in the past. But that’s something Williams embraces as he and the Tigers look to ratchet up their receiver productivity in 2024 and reclaim their “Wide Receiver U” standing in the process.

“There’s pressure, just playing this sport. But I think it’s a good type of pressure. You’ve got to embrace it, and I wanna be the guy that gives us that title back,” said Williams, who led the Tigers in receiving in 2022.

“So, I love it. I love hearing those doubters. But at the end of the day, we’ve got to prove it. We’ve got to go out there and show it – we can’t really talk about it.”

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!