When Clemson football takes the field against Wake Forest tomorrow afternoon, the future of the ACC will be on display. Wake’s Greg Dortch and Clemson’s Travis Etienne are two of the most electric freshman in the entire conference.
Clemson won the National Championship last season, while Wake Forest limped to a 7-6 finish. As different as the two programs appear, they have similar recruiting philosophies.
Despite the Tigers elite level of play, they do not pursue every 5-star prospect in the country. Dabo Swinney and his staff are thorough on the recruiting trail. They are not caught up in stars, rather, the qualities that a young man brings to the table.
Dave Clawson and his staff at Wake Forest are similar in their approach. In fact, Greg Dortch was teammates with Clemson’s K’Von Wallace at Highland Springs high school in Highland Springs, Virginia.
During the early portion of this season, both Clemson and Wake Forest have leaned on the play of explosive freshman.
Greg Dortch (RFr) WR
Dortch is the perfect example of Wake Forest’s meticulous scouting methods. At first glance, Dortch’s 5-foot-9, 180 pound frame doesn’t stand out. But, once you pop in the tape he jumps off the screen with playmaking ability.
Through the first five weeks of the season, Dortch leads the Deacs with 30 receptions for 352 yards and five touchdowns. His best performance to date came against Florida State, where he hauled in 10 catches for 110 yards. The speedy youngster was named ACC rookie of the week for his strong showing.
Wake Forest will look to get Dortch the ball on screens and short in-breaking routes to take advantage of his run-after-the-catch ability.
True freshman WR Greg Dortch w/ 5 TDs (T-5th FBS), 1 of only 4 FBS players with a score in each of the first 4 games this year 🎩💪#GoDeacs pic.twitter.com/FmIDBOpNBh
— Rah, Rah (@WakeForestRah) September 24, 2017
Travis Etienne (Fr) RB
Etienne has been the biggest surprise of the season for the Tigers. Similar to Dortch, he was listed as a 3-star prospect coming out of high school. From the moment he stepped foot on campus for fall camp, it was clear he was special. Etienne has been Clemson’s most explosive offensive weapon through the first five weeks of the season.
The Louisiana native currently leads Clemson’s running backs with 31 carries for 311 yards and four touchdowns. He is averaging a first down every time he touches the football.
.@PFF_College says @ClemsonFB's Travis Etienne is the most elusive back in @ACCFootball so far this season. That's hard to argue. pic.twitter.com/QkW3V3JFWZ
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) September 25, 2017
After moving up to second on Clemson’s depth chart, look for Etienne to receive a heavier work load this week. There’s no way to plan for his sporadic running style. Wake Forest must play gap-sound defense and hope that Etienne doesn’t find a crease.
Next: Clemson's offense will explode this weekend
Both Dortch and Etienne will be counted on to help lead their respective teams to victory tomorrow and for the foreseeable future.