Clemson Football: WR depth, slot starters becoming clearer following spring

There have been some major changes to Clemson football’s wide receiver room over the past couple of months. The picture is becoming clearer, though.

When you think about Clemson football, you think about massive depth and talent at wide receiver.

That phrase doesn’t even begin to describe the Tigers in 2019. Clemson returns two of the top wide receivers in the nation, if not the two best, and several other very talented guys.

However, the Tigers came into spring camp knowing that they would have to replace Hunter Renfrow and his consistency in the slot. Amari Rodgers was supposed to be the guy to do that.

Unfortunately, Rodgers suffered an ACL tear during spring practice and will miss the vast majority of the season.

Though most believed that Derion Kendrick would be the starter in the slot following Rodgers’ injury, he has actually stayed at cornerback and played on the defense for the majority of the spring. Kendrick is still expected to play wide receiver this season, but it looks like his time is going to be split between the offense and the defense because of his unique athletic ability.

Though it seemed a bit muddy for a while, the picture is clearing up when it comes to how wide receivers will be utilized this season at Clemson.

Here’s a look at how we project the wide receiver position playing out for Clemson football in 2019.

Boundary (X)- Tee Higgins

• Joseph Ngata
• Diondre Overton

Field (Z)- Justyn Ross

• Frank Ladson or
• Derion Kendrick

Slot (Y)- Diondre Overton/Cornell Powell

• TJ Chase
• Brannon Spector

This is how I think you’re going to see the wide receiver depth chart set up when the Tigers release it post-spring.

Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross are locks to start at that boundary and field spots. I think Joseph Ngata is going to fill in behind Higgins at the boundary with Overton still seeing some time over. Frank Ladson, the other talented freshman, will back up Justyn Ross at the field spot.

At slot, I think you’ll see a co-starter situation with both Diondre Overton and Cornell Powell. Overton is going to be relied upon to play inside and move outside on occasions. Powell will get his chance to see some extended playing time after a solid spring.

TJ Chase and Brannon Spector will both remain in the slot and play back-up to those two guys.

Derion Kendrick, who will be part-time at cornerback, will most likely remain at the field position behind Justyn Ross. He’ll play on defense and on offense. I think we’ll see Kendrick move inside to the slot at times, as well.

If the coaches chose to play Kendrick full-time on offense, I believe he would be the starter at the slot and would also play outside at times, as well.

The Kendrick situation will make things a little interesting, but this is our projection for how the wide receiver position will breakdown in 2019.