Clemson Football has plenty of WRs to help replace McCloud in 2018
With shifty slot receiver, Ray-Ray McCloud departing early for the NFL, Clemson football has a hole to fill on offense. Which young wide out will step in and replace the play-making ability of McCloud in 2018?
Since Dabo Swinney took over in Death Valley in 2008, the Tigers have consistently churned out some of the best receiving cores in the country.
With Ray-Ray McCloud out of the fold, the Clemson football program has a hole to fill on the perimeter. Luckily, Swinney and company have recruited well at the position in preparation for early departures.
It’s not a matter of if Clemson can replace McCloud’s production, its a question of who will replace his production?
Candidates
The Tigers have a wealth of talent at wide receiver. While their numbers may not be great in the slot, Jeff Scott has been known to cross train majority of the receivers. Clemson returns, Cornell Powell (Jr) and Amari Rodgers (So), who work primarily from the slot.
Guys such as TJ Chase and incoming freshman, Derion Kendrick are also dynamic enough to line up in the slot if need-be.
Group effort
Barring a dominant spring from any of the previously mentioned players, I expect Clemson to rotate receivers in the slot next season.
That is not a slight against Clemson, rather, an endorsement of their strong depth at the position. I don’t see any clear separation between Powell and Rodgers at the moment. Both are solidly built – Powell at 6-foot, 205 pounds, Rogers at 5-foot-9, 210 pounds.
The similarities don’t end their either. Both Powell and Rodgers are tenacious in jump-ball situations despite their stature. The two also share the innate ability to take it the distance after the catch.
Clemson has shown in the past that everyone who deserves to play is going to play. Take this year for instance, the Tigers had experienced receivers across the board, yet, true freshman, Tee Higgins and Amari Rodgers both earned valuable reps late in the season.
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I wouldn’t be surprised to see Powell and Rodgers share reps in the slot next season. You can never have too many explosive playmakers.