Clemson Football: Jaelyn Lay has potential to be an elite TE for the Tigers

Clemson football freshman tight end Jaelyn Lay has the potential to be an elite option at tight end for the Tigers as soon as this season.

Through the first few days of Clemson football spring practice, there has been a number of observations among media and staff members.

One of the observations has remained true no matter who you talk to: Jaelyn Lay looks like a beast.

Lay is one of the biggest guys out there and is very athletic. He already looks like he’s been in the program for a couple of years and it looks like his body was made for the tight end position.

He has the athleticism to be a play-maker in the passing game, but also has the strength and physicality to be a blocker. That’s exactly what the Tigers are in need of.

Right now, there’s very little depth at the tight end position.

Garrett Williams, in all likelihood, is joining the military after this spring, so he won’t be available at tight end.

You’ve got JC Chalk, who is currently taking reps with the first-team, and you’ve got Braden Galloway working with the second-team. Currently, though, Galloway is facing a year suspension following a failed drug test back before the CFB Playoff. Clemson football is attempting to get the suspension appealed, but that’s still up in the air as of now.

Behind those two veterans, there’s two true-freshmen- Lay and Davis Allen. Allen is not currently on campus and seems to be a candidate for redshirt, but he may have to play as well due to the lack of depth at the position.

Lay, on the other hand, is not redshirting. I think there’s a chance that he wins the starting job before it’s all said and done. He’s got that perfect balance you look for and that just isn’t found in many tight ends now a’ days.