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Clemson Football: Amari Rodgers might start at McCloud’s old spot

By Tyreese Ingram

BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers celebrates on the sideline after a touchdown against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers celebrates on the sideline after a touchdown against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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Clemson receiver Ray-Ray McCloud decided to forego his senior year after having a productive junior year and now another member of WRU will have to step up and fill his role. 

McCloud had 49 catches, 503 yards, and one touchdown and additionally, he averaged 12.2 yards on 25 punt returns with one electrifying score against N.C. State. So who will fill his role after the early departure?

Senior Hunter Renfrow is penciled in as the slot receiver with sophomore Tee Higgins likely to replace the departed Deon Cain at the boundary position. Last season, McCloud replaced Artavis Scott at the field position and Amari Rodgers will likely replace him in 2018.

When Rodgers, a Knoxville Catholic High four-star recruit, enrolled in Clemson in June, no one knew if the freshman would see the field on game days in Death Valley, but he was able to avoid a redshirt and contribute in 2017.

As a freshman, he had 19 catches and 123 yards playing behind McCloud, and from the beginning of camp, his maturity caught the eyes of the coaches.

“I know from my position Amari Rodgers is probably one of the most mature freshmen that I’ve had in my eight years at Clemson, said offensive coordinator Jeff Scott to Tigernet during fall camp.

Although smaller(5’9) in height than the five-foot-ten, 185 pound McCloud, Rodgers is bigger(210) and stronger. He is also quick, fast(4.49) and has a 40 inch vertical leap.

Like Scott and McCloud, he will be utilized on sweeps, screens, and with his experience as a prep running back, he could also see snaps as a “wildcat” quarterback. His predecessors were versatile and durable while being productive, and fans should expect the same from Rodgers. However, he may also get more deep passes thrown his way. Scott and McCloud rarely caught passes beyond 30 yards, but because of his speed and ability to high point the ball in man-to-man coverage, Rodgers could get more opportunities there.

Next: Clemson targeting taller wide receivers in 2019

Rodgers could also take over punt return duties and help out with kickoffs too. He had two punt returns for 15 yards and a 36-yard kickoff return against The Citadel. Clemson football opponents will see a lot of him in 2018.

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