Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney has confirmed that receiver Justyn Ross is out for the 2020 season.
Junior wide receiver Justyn Ross is having neck surgery Friday and what Coach Swinney has called “congenital fusion in his neck/spine and doctors are very concerned”. He will have an opportunity to come back in 2021 if he chooses or enter the 2021 NFL draft as well.
New receiver’s coach Tyler Grisham is being thrown into the fire early and will get a chance to show that he can get guys ready to play. Without Justyn Ross, Grisham will lean heavily on his three seniors in Amari Rodgers, Cornell Powell (RS Jr), and Will Swinney. While Powell and Swinney will more than likely be backups, but their leadership after three years in the program will be invaluable.
The expectations for Ross coming into 2020 were huge as he was expected to be among the most productive receivers in the country. By far the most physically gifted receiver Clemson football has, he was inconsistent as a sophomore as Tee Higgins led the way with more than 1,100 yards through the air.
Dabo Swinney on WR Justyn Ross. Surgery scheduled for Friday. Ross has what Swinney called a "congenital fusion in his neck/spine. Doctors are very concerned.
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) June 1, 2020
Prior to his injury during the Tigers abbreviated spring, Justyn Ross was expected to be among the first couple receivers taken in the 2021 NFL draft. While that still may happen, NFL scouts are going to be paying close attention to his recovery.
Justyn Ross is not going to play football this fall for Clemson, Dabo Swinney confirms.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) June 1, 2020
When Mike Williams had neck surgery during the 2015 season, he came back in 2016 and showed that he was even more dominant and stronger as he helped lead the Clemson football program to their first national title in more than 30 years.
While it is too early to even speculate on what Ross will do after surgery, at this point, we should all just hope and pray that his surgery goes well and that he will be able to recover and lead a normal life outside of football.