This position group could determine Clemson’s College Football Playoff hopes, ESPN says

ESPN’s panel of college football writers and reporters have put together their ‘X factors’ for every team in their post-spring Top 25 rankings ahead of the 2024 college football season.

Earlier this summer, Clemson ranked No. 16 in ESPN’s post-spring Top 25 — five spots below Florida State and three spots behind NC State among the highest-ranked ACC teams.

According to staff writer David Hale, the Tigers’ X factor entering 2024 is a rejuvenated passing attack — and specifically, two highly touted freshmen wide receivers.

Per Hale

“It’s no secret Clemson has struggled to develop receivers in recent years. Highly ranked prospects like Joe Ngata, Frank Ladson Jr., E.J. Williams Jr., Ajou Ajou, Beaux Collins and Dacari Collins have come and gone without blossoming into stars (or, in several cases, contributing virtually nothing at all). On the other hand, freshmen have largely led the way — Collins in 2021, Antonio Williams in 2022 and Tyler Brown last season — though their development hit a wall after that for varying reasons. That certainly hasn’t helped Clemson’s oft-criticized quarterbacks. In 2024, however, there’s a chance to turn that trend around. Brown returns following a strong freshman campaign, and Antonio Williams should be healthy. Troy Stellato and Adam Randall get another shot to prove their value.

But the real excitement comes from two freshmen: TJ Moore and Bryant Wesco. Both were ranked as top-50 recruits by ESPN, and Wesco turned heads as an early enrollee, scoring in the Tigers’ spring game. If they make an impact as freshmen, it could be the key to a rejuvenated passing game — and a trip to the College Football Playoff.”

Clemson receivers caught 302 passes for 2,969 yards (9.8 yards per catch) and 20 touchdowns in 2023 behind first-year starting quarterback Cade Klubik….

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/position-group-could-determine-clemson-135906354.html

Author : Clemson Wire

Publish date : 2024-07-18 13:59:06

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