Nov 6, 2014; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; A Clemson Tigers lays on the bench during the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Clemson defeated Wake Forest 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Bold Prediction #3: Ray-Ray McCloud leads the team in return yardage.
Clemson is in dire need of a return game. Basically, since the departure of C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford, Clemson has not had anywhere close to an explosive return game. Sammy Watkins showed bursts while he was back there, but did not get many chances to return the ball.
This season, freshman Ray-Ray McCloud is going to get a chance. He will be rotated in with Germone Hopper, Artavis Scott, and possibly other freshman Deon Cain. My prediction, however, is that McCloud will end up leading Clemson in return yardage. This is a somewhat bold pick after he fumbled three times in the final scrimmage, but I believe he will put those mistakes behind him, learn from them, and come back a better football player in the end.
The result? Clemson’s leading returner. He will end up becoming a special teams guy that makes explosive plays on both punt and kickoff returns while finding himself all over the field on offense. He has great vision and speed and all of that combined equals good signs for Clemson’s return game this season. (The first time I can say that in about 2-3 years, if not longer.)
Next: Bold Prediction #4