Clemson Football: Ngata, Ladson duo growing up before our eyes

Clemson football fans are about to see major growth from this WR duo

We all know that not all 5-stars are the same and that they all take different paths.

The truth of the matter is that some 5-stars that come into the Clemson football program are almost NFL ready from the time they step on the field. Others, however, take a little time to develop. Some take years before they’re truly able to make a major impact.

Though we’re still early on in the 2020 Clemson football season, what we’re seeing is the  development process of two talented 5-stars who are growing up before our eyes. I’m talking about Frank Ladson Jr. and Joseph Ngata.

There was major hype from Clemson football fans surrounding both Ngata and Ladson Jr.

When both Ladson and Ngata signed with Clemson football, there were many Tiger fans who believed they be competing for starter-level reps by the end of their freshman seasons- even with Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins on the roster.

While both guys continued to see playing time, we never saw them truly break out or have major performances. After all, they finished last season with a combined 26 receptions for 368 yards and six touchdowns.

While that’s certainly not a bad stat line for two incoming freshmen, the overarching belief was that one of those guys would have that stat line by themselves.

That’s why when we stepped into 2020, there was concern about the depth of the Clemson football wide receiver core. Everyone knew that Ladson and Ngata had the talent, but the question was if they would be able to perform and make an impact on the field.

Though we’ve just played two games, what I believe we’re seeing is the two wide receivers growing up right before our eyes. No, they weren’t able to be Sammy Watkins and finish their freshman seasons as All-Americans, but they are both making strides.

Ladson already has four receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns this season. Ngata has been a bit slower to get going with three receptions for 48 yards through the first two games, but there’s evidence that they’re growing.

These two Tigers are taking on their new roles and they’re improving week-in and week-out. They’re slowly becoming what we knew they could be coming out of high school and it won’t be long before we’re seeing those 5-star ratings being exemplified in a major way.