Clemson Football: Justyn Ross was a difference-maker vs. Bama

Clemson football wide receiver Justyn Ross made several key plays in the Tigers’ matchup with Alabama that proved to be one of the major differences in the game Monday.

When Justyn Ross signed with Clemson football last year, there were many family members that were skeptical.

Ross, the top player out of the state of Alabama, chose to go to Clemson over in-state schools Alabama and Auburn.

Who knew a year later that the talented wide receiver would be a huge difference-maker between the two teams?

Justyn Ross had a huge game Monday on the biggest stage of them all.

He finished the night with six catches for 153 yards and a touchdown. It wasn’t just the huge numbers that made Ross so dominant against the Crimson Tide. It was the way that he was making catches.

One of the greatest plays I’ve seen this season happened on a 3rd down when Trevor Lawrence was facing a ton of pressure. He just threw the ball up and it was well behind Justyn Ross, but still in his general vicinity.

Ross, who was already falling out of bounds was able to stretch out his right hand and come away with a circus-style catch, getting a foot down and keeping the drive going.

Just a freshman…

Ross was able to out-physical the Alabama defensive backs, see the 74-yard touchdown pass reception for an example.

What Justyn Ross has done the latter half of this season is what you see upperclassmen wide receivers doing.

He was more physical, explosive and athletic than the Alabama defensive backs.

I was absolutely impressed with what Ross was able to do against the Crimson Tide and it was clear that he was a huge difference in the game Monday night.

I do want the world to remember, though, that this kid is just a freshman.

He’s going to get better and even more dominant as his career progresses and I can’t wait to see how Ross develops over the course of these next couple of seasons.