2015 Clemson Football Depth Chart Projections: Wide Receiver
By Dan Kelley
Jan 3, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; East wide receiver Deon Cain (5) runs past West defensive back Isaiah Langley (27) for a touchdown in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome. West beat East 39-36. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
The Next Freshman Phenom? – Deon Cain
If recent history is any indication, being a true freshman shouldn’t be much of a barrier to a starting job for Deon Cain. Cain will have every opportunity to earn a spot with the other first-stringers on Clemson’s depth chart and, ultimately, I think he may become the Tigers’ No. 3 receiver in 2015.
If that happens, Cain could be the latest in a string of true-freshmen receivers to make a major impact for the Tigers. In 2011, Sammy Watkins led Clemson in receiving with 82 receptions for 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns. Then, just last year, Artavis Scott pulled off a similar accomplishment, grabbing more receptions than anyone else on the team.
So, can Cain follow in those footsteps next year?
If you put a lot of faith in recruiting rankings, then the answer is an emphatic yes. Cain’s final rating of .9902 in the 247 Sports’ composite was better than Watkins’ (.9900) by a shade, and a few points higher than Scott’ (.9661).
Personally, if someone told me that Cain will be better in 2015 than Watkins was as a freshman, I’d say I’ll believe it when I see it. Unlike Watkins or Scott, Cain is joining a team that already boasts two of the best receivers in football. And even if he wasn’t, what Watkins did as a freshman was remarkable, even for such a highly-rated recruit, and Clemson football fans should not expect to see it duplicated any time soon.
But there is no doubting Cain’s talent. He appears destined for greatness, even if it doesn’t happen right away. Earning a spot on the first line of the depth chart may be enough for this year but, by the time he is through at Clemson, Cain will almost certainly be among the top receivers in all of college football.
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