Clemson Football: Three questions about the wide receivers

Nov 26, 2022; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson wide receiver Beaux Collins (80), left, head coach Dabo Swinney and wide receiver Drew Swinney (81) join in with the team for the Walk of Champions before the game between South Carolina and Clemson at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Can Antonio Williams take the next step for Clemson Football?

Williams’s recruitment was slow and methodical, but he was finally offered. It didn’t take soon after he committed to see why some fans were beside themselves that the Tigers were prioritizing other prospects. Williams started to turn heads on the all-star circuit, and fans began to wonder if they had scored an impact player.

It took time to get Williams up to speed – he did not enroll early – but when he did get his footing, it became clear he was the best receiver on the field for the Tigers.

Williams led the team with 604 yards receiving in 2022, which is good for a freshman, but to keep it in perspective, that tied Williams for 161st in the nation in receiving yards.

604 yards as a true freshman is good. 604 yards as a sophomore will be less impressive. A freshman campaign like that is only impressive because it indicates the future might be brighter.

I haven’t even mentioned the dreaded double s-word: sophomore slump. After all, teams will be preparing to defend Williams now.

The Tigers need others around Williams to step up, but a good offense needs an impact player at receiver. If Williams can build upon his debut season, he can become that threat.

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