Former Clemson receiver Artavis Scott may need to start making plays under the lights

Artavis Scott has been impressive thus far for the Los Angeles Chargers in training camp, but he has yet to make any plays in preseason games.

Scott wasn’t selected in the 2017 NFL Draft by any team, but the Chargers decided to offer him a free agent contract and an opportunity to play alongside his friend and former Clemson teammate Mike Williams. Williams has been sidelined with a back injury and isn’t expected to be ready for action until next month.

Williams is one of the seven former Tigers’ receivers who are expected to play in the NFL this season. Can Scott be the eighth?

Not only would he be the eighth receiver but also the third free agent from WRU. Tampa Bay Buccaneers starter Adam Humphries and second team Arizona Cardinal Jaron Brown are the other two previously undrafted receivers. Brown is in his fifth year, and Humphries his third.

In three years, Scott caught 245 passes and scored 19 times with 36 starts in 43 games. His career reception mark is fifth all-time in the ACC.

It seems unusual that Scott, the all-time leading receptions leader from a school with such a track record of supplying the NFL with talent, be an undrafted junior and fighting for a roster spot. But that is the reality of Scott’s situation since he left Death Valley.

As of today, he has yet to make a catch in either preseason game and has been targeted only twice. He does have a 23 yard kickoff return and one registered tackle.

His lack of production in games shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, when you take in consideration that he hasn’t gotten much playing time.

Even without game stats, his play in practice and intrasquad scrimmages against the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Chargers.com managing editor Ricky Henne gave this response when asked about Scott by a fan from last week’s mailbag questions.

"Artavis is making a name for himself at Chargers Camp. He’s turned in some of the most acrobatic catches of the summer, particularly on deep balls and in the end zone. Clemson’s all-time leading receiver has a good amount of wiggle when he gets the ball in his hands, and as you mention, had return ability. The key for Scott is consistency, which is pretty common for rookie wideouts. The remaining three preseason games will be vital in his push to land a spot on the 53-man roster."

He was even mentioned as “The Most Surprising Player” by at least one writer, Hayley Elwood from the 2017 Chargers Training Camp Awards.

"Artavis Scott – This was another tossup for me – this time between Geremy Davis and Scott. However, I went with number 82 based on his performance having joined the Chargers as an undrafted rookie free agent. Scott used camp to his advantage to show why he left Clemson as the school’s all-time leading receiver. Despite his 5-10 frame, he had numerous acrobatic catches, including many that went for touchdowns."

Why isn’t he getting snaps in games?

Could he be nursing a minor injury?

Maybe, the Chargers are holding him back, because they plan to keep him or they don’t trust him enough for game action?

Questions will definitely be answered by the 53 man roster deadline on September 2.

Scott is likely battling at least six receivers including three other rookie free agents for one roster spot.

At 8:00 p.m tonight, he can be seen in the “Fight For L.A.” as the Chargers face the Los Angeles Rams on CBS.