Clemson Football: Five offensive players who could have breakout seasons
By John Chancey
Dacari Collins
Going into 2021, there was some question whether either of the Collins Towers would see much time on the field. With the return of Justyn Ross and multiple other receivers who were expected to get playing time, most thought Beaux and Dacari were receivers of the future.
Things can change quickly. Brannon Spector and Frank Ladson missed the season. EJ Williams got hurt early. Then Joseph Ngata and Ross both got hurt. Ajou Ajou couldn’t master blocking.
Suddenly, the Tigers turned to the true freshmen. Whether they were ready or not, they were next men up, and they responded. They weren’t perfect but they showed the willingness to do what was necessary.
Beaux Collins was the guy who showed the classic Clemson receiving styles of high-pointing the ball and taking the top off the defense. It was Dacari who showed the willingness to do the dirty work. He went over the middle. When the ball came his way, he was physical and fought for the ball. When it didn’t come his direction, he got in the face of the defensive backs and blocked so the running backs and his fellow receivers had more space to run.
With Ngata, Williams & Spector returning, as well as Will Taylor and two freshmen who have turned heads, Dacari hasn’t gotten a lot of hype as a potential starter for the 2022 squad. I think it is only a matter of time before both the staff and the fans remember who was the best fit in the receiving corps for the run-oriented attack that Clemson found offensive success with in late 2021.
When people think of Hunter Renfrow, they often think of quickness and great hands, but what he was also a workhorse who was tough, both physically and mentally. Since Renfrow left the program, no one has come close to representing that level of toughness for Clemson than Dacari Collins.
We’ve already seen Troy Stellato’s season end due to injury, and Beaux and EJ have missed time in fall camp. I think we will see a deep rotation at receiver this season, and Dacari might not be the flashiest, but I think we’ll find that when Clemson has offensive success this season, Dacari tends to be on the field.