Clemson Football has seen multiple players make positive contributions to their efforts over the first three games of the 2023 season, but as usual, a few stand out.
Sometimes players stand out simply because little was expected from them, and other times they are legitimately standing out above the crowd.
Tyler Brown was a late 3-star addition to Clemson’s Class of 2023. Most assumed he was a lock to redshirt this season, especially considering he would not be an early enrollee.
As fall camp progressed, we started to hear Brown’s name. First, it was his teammates. Then it was Swinney. It soon became clear that he was just behind the main group of guys that Swinney expected to carry the load for the Tigers.
Then we got to see him on the field, and though he wasn’t getting as many snaps as some of the other guys, he was making his opportunities count. He had the longest passing reception of the night against Duke. He lowered his shoulder and met a tackler during a punt return against Charleston Southern.
Against Florida Atlantic this past weekend, he got his first touchdown catch of his career. Then he got his second.
After a quarter of the regular season, Brown has the third-most receiving yards and receptions among wide receivers. His two touchdowns tie him with Antonio Williams for most touchdowns on the season.
Considering Brown’s production, it is fair to wonder if he should be in line for a position as a starter soon. The question is where he would play.
Williams and Beaux Collins have been solid. Collins holds down one of the outside positions, while Williams typically lines up at the slot. Brown usually lines up at the slot as well.
Clemson Football has a couple different options if they want to move Tyler Brown into the starting lineup
If the team wanted to get Brown into the starting lineup, they could put him at one of the outside positions. They could also move Williams to the outside and put Brown in the slot.
There is probably a sentiment to not rock the boat by making a big change for a true freshman so early. If he’s been training as a slot, it is probably best to not turn his world upside down so quickly.
The other thing to consider is the position that will benefit best from Brown’s speed and quickness. We often stereotype players with his size and speed as the slot, but if speed on the outside would benefit the team the most, then putting Brown there could reap the most rewards.
My honest guess is that this conversation is probably happening among the fans earlier than it will happen with the staff. I think they probably want to see more from Brown before giving him a promotion. He did make a mistake Saturday on a muffed punt. I’m sure the staff hasn’t forgotten that.
At this rate, they won’t need much more to be convinced that Brown needs to start.