Five Clemson football freshmen who have already shown first-round potential
There’s no doubt that the future is bright for the Clemson football program and this Tiger freshman class is continuing to prove that to be true.
Because of the way the 2020 season has gone in terms of injuries and positive cases at times, we’ve gotten to see quite a bit of the freshman class and we’re going to continue to see them all over the field for the Tigers.
As we stand just a little more than a month out of finishing the regular season, here’s a look at five Clemson football freshmen who have already shown they have first-round potential.
5. E.J. Williams
We haven’t gotten to see a lot of E.J. Williams in terms of plays or statistics. On the season, he has 12 receptions for 143 yards (11.9 YPC) and no touchdowns but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t shown elite skill.
Williams has been on the field quite a bit and he is looking more and more comfortable each week. He is a big target and is a guy that is going to develop into a physical and overpowering force in the passing game, without question.
Williams might not be Sammy Watkins as far as his impact as a freshman, but he’s already shown his true potential and that is nothing less than a first-round prospect at the wide receiver position.
4. Trenton Simpson
Trenton Simpson was challenged at times over the past couple of weeks as he stood in for an injured Mike Jones Jr. and in more cases than not, he excelled.
We’re not here to say that Simpson is a finished product by any means- no freshman is. He had a couple of missed tackles and was beaten in coverage, as well, in particularly during the Notre Dame game.
But you’ve got to look at the potential, and there’s no doubt that the talent is there.
Simpson has the ability to be an elite linebacker like we haven’t seen before at Clemson football- he almost looks like a perfect blend of Isaiah Simmons, Jones Jr. and Dorian O’Daniel.
It takes linebackers a while to grow up at the collegiate level, especially in Brent Venables’ defense, but Simpson has already proven to be a valued contributor and that’s all because of his raw ability.
3. Myles Murphy
Myles Murphy has come up with several big plays at the line of scrimmage and in the backfield throughout this season and, believe it or not, the freshman is still the Tigers’ sack leader on the season with 3.5.
Now, don’t get me wrong. After Murphy totaled two sacks in the season-opener, many believed he would be a double-digit sack kind of guy as a freshman and that hasn’t come to fruition, but he still has continued to grow up and get better.
Murphy has an explosive step to his game that really only Xavier Thomas exhibits at the defensive end. He’s not just an explosive pass-rusher, though. He’s big and physical. That absolute perfect blend of size, physicality and athleticism is going to make Murphy one of the best defensive ends in Clemson football history before it’s all said and done.
2. Bryan Bresee
Speaking of promising pieces on the defensive line, you can’t forget about former No. 1 overall player Bryan Bresee and what he’s been able to do.
Bresee earned a starting spot at defensive tackle and has totaled 13 tackles and three sacks (second just behind Murphy) on the season. Bresee has shown his versatility and physicality over the course of this season and there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind who has watched Clemson football that he’ll be a future first-round draft pick.
Bresee is still improving and he’s still getting comfortable in that defense, but there’s no doubt he’s going to be a special player for years to come.
1. D.J. Uiagalelei
D.J. Uiagalelei is one of the most impressive freshman QBs to ever suit up for Clemson football.
Uiagalelei won the second-string job over Taisun Phommachanh and was thrusted into action the last couple of weeks when Trevor Lawrence tested positive.
The result? Uiagalelei completed 69.4 percent of his passes for 781 yards and accounted for six touchdowns to no interceptions. He threw for a freshman record 439 yards passing on the road against No. 4-ranked Notre Dame and was extremely impressive in the loss.
Uiagalelei proved over the last two games that the future of the Clemson football program is in safe hands and nothing’s going to stop him from continuing the ‘QBU’ legacy that the Tigers have begun to build over the last half-decade.
Right now, I would venture to say that Uiagalelei will be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and we’ll get to see him compete against Lawrence and Deshaun Watson in the league at some point down the road.