2015 Clemson Football Depth Chart Projections: Wide Receiver

Aug 30, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Reggie Carter (45) defends against Clemson Tigers wide receiver Charone Peake (19) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Clemson 45-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Second String – Charone Peake and Germone Hopper

In the first few games of the 2014 season, Charone Peake looked like he was heading for a breakout junior year. Not only did he haul in Deshaun Watson’s first collegiate touchdown pass against the Georgia Bulldogs in week one, he followed that up with seven catches for 50 yards and a touchdown in the Tigers’ next two games.

Unfortunately, an injury derailed Peake’s season after week three, and he barely saw the field until the Russell Athletic Bowl. Peake contributed to Clemson’s resounding defeat of the Sooners with two catches for 40 yards.

When Peake went down, Germone Hopper stepped into the void he left behind.

After a quiet start to his sophomore season, Hopper hauled in two catches for 52 yards against Florida State then exploded for 139 yards and two touchdowns on three catches against North Carolina.

Like the rest of the offense, Hopper was at his best when Deshaun Watson was on the field though, and his numbers tailed off a bit after the game against UNC. Ultimately he finished the season as Clemson’s third-leading receiver, with 27 receptions for 331 yards and three touchdowns.

Peake and Hopper should both see a solid number of snaps in 2015, though they may be considered two-thirds of the Tigers’ second string. We have seen enough from them to know that they are more than capable of thriving in Clemson’s offense, but they may not be able to displace the more elite receivers in front of them.

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