2015 Clemson Football Depth Chart Projections: Wide Receiver

Nov 29, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; A general view of the field prior to the game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

The X-Factors – Trevion Thompson and Ray-Ray McCloud

One of the top players in Clemson’s 2014 recruiting class, Trevion Thompson, took a redshirt last season and will finally enter the competition for playing time this spring.  Likewise, true freshman Ray-Ray McCloud will arrive this fall and challenge for a prominent role in the rotation during training camp.

It’s hard to say where either will fit in with the rest of the group, without seeing either on the field yet. However, the reviews from Dabo Swinney have been very positive.

"“Where [Thompson] was in August – and I said this a couple of days ago – and where he is now is night and day,” Swinney told TigerNet in December “He is bigger and faster, and everything about him looks better. He got here in early July and just wasn’t quite ready mentally and physically had to transform, too. And when you aren’t really getting a lot of reps in camp, it’s hard to get guys to the next level. He will have a great opportunity this spring. I am really proud of Trevion. He has changed his body and really busted his tail in that power hour. And because of that and because he has paid the price he has a confidence about him.”"

Swinney had similarly positive things to say about McCloud.

"“He really is [special],” Swinney said during his National Signing Day webcast (via TigerNet) “This guy is dynamic. He’s played a lot of running back. He’s going to play wide out and running back and returner [at Clemson]. He is a great young man from a great family.”"

Both players were considered four-star recruits in 247 Sports‘ composite ratings, but Thompson and McCloud will bring different abilities to the rotation.

As Swinney suggested, McCloud will likely play a combination of roles. He may do most of his pass-catching on short routes, screens, and coming out of the backfield, in an attempt to get him the ball in open space. Thompson, on the other hand, should give Clemson another big target down the field.

Next: The Second-String