Clemson football: Adam Randall not likely ready week 1 and that’s not a bad thing

Clemson football freshman wide receiver Adam Randall is recovering well from his ACL surgery, but it appears he won’t be ready for game one on September 5 versus Georgia Tech in Atlanta and I for one am OK with that.

"“Personally, I would like to get back by the first game, but logistically it is probably not going to happen,” he said from the Pavilion at the Madren Conference Center in Clemson. “I am just going to continue to work and continue to get stronger. But I have been blessed, and hopefully healed and build my confidence back up. Once my confidence gets back up and my legs and knees are strong enough to get back on the field, I definitely will be back out there.”"

The last thing the Tigers need is for Randall to rush back and aggravate or reinjure himself in a game the Tigers are heavily favored in.

As a matter of fact I could see Randall sitting the first two or three games – the Tigers play three games in 12 days to open the 2022 season and games two and three are against Furman (September 10) and Louisiana Tech (September 17).

Dabo Swinney has said Randall will be in fall camp when it starts on August 5th and Randall is listening to his head coach and following instructions.

"“I am just trying to live up to the standard,” Randall said. “Being able to live up to those words and the high praise that he gives me. I am blessed to be in this situation. I have trained for this. This is what I have been training for ever since I started in high school."

Adam Randall and Clemson football coaches are keeping the big picture in mind when contemplating his return to the field

The big picture is the key.  The Tigers need Randall for the long term, not for meaningless games early in the season, but rather in games he could make a difference.

Once he gets on the field Randall wants to produce results for Swinney and the Tigers.

"“I thank him, but I know those words and encouraging things will not mean anything if I do not produce and perform on the field. That is my main goal. Once I get back out there, I want to perform at a high level.”"

Randall is doing the work to get there, but sometimes the timing doesn’t appear to line up with September 5 and that’s OK.

Come back when you’re ready, physically able and can dominate.