Clemson football will feature a rare blend of size and speed at WR in 2018
Before Clemson football’s defensive line developed into the dominant force that it is today, the Tigers were producing top-flight talent at wide receiver. Coming into 2018, #WRU is as deep and explosive as ever.
Even with the departures of Ray-Ray McCloud and Deon Cain, Clemson returns a host of capable bodies at wide-out in 2018.
The most notable and experienced of the bunch is redshirt senior, Hunter Renfrow. The hero of Clemson’s 2016 National Championship victory over Alabama, Renfrow is one of the most reliable and productive slot receivers in the country.
From there, the Tigers have rising sophomores, Tee Higgins and Amari Rodgers. Both Higgins and Rodgers contributed sparingly as true freshman, but, are expected to see significantly increased roles in 2018.
Let’s not forget about Cornell Powell, TJ Chase, Diondre Overton and Trevion Thompson either.
Versatility
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that no one in the country will have the depth and versatility that Clemson will have at wide receiver next season.
Most offenses would love to have just one dependable redzone target. The Tigers will have three in 2018 with the aforementioned Higgins, Overton and incoming freshman, Justyn Ross. Not only are the three of them big-bodied targets all standing at least 6-foot-4, but, they can flat out run.
See also: Justyn Ross continue’s Clemson’s #WRU narrative
In the slot Clemson has do-it-all wide receiver in Hunter Renfrow. They also have two running back-like pass catchers in Amari Rodgers and Cornell Powell.
It gets better as the Tigers also have smooth route runners in TJ Chase and Trevion Thompson. Another incoming freshman, Derion Kendrick rounds out Clemson’s special wide receiver group with dynamic play-making ability.
Kendrick served as a quarterback on the high school level and absolutely tore up the competition both through the air and on the ground. Once he learns the finer nuances of the position from Jeff Scott, he’s going to be down-right special.
Next: Early freshman analysis: Who will avoid redshirts?
As you can see Clemson football will have no shortage of weapons on the perimeter in 2018. It will be fun to be the Tigers starting quarterback next year that’s for sure.