8 Clemson Tigers who just forced their way into bigger roles

The UNC tape showed who’s rising.
Clemson v North Carolina
Clemson v North Carolina | Lance King/GettyImages

Reps are the real currency. After the 38–10 statement in Chapel Hill, the film and box score point to clear winners who should see their workloads spike right now.

OFFENSE — Put the ball in these hands

1) T.J. Moore, WR — “create-an-explosive” mode

Why more snaps: Moore was the spark plug, housing a 75-yard touchdown on the opening play and finishing with 5 for 108 and a score. He won on verticals and in-breakers—perfect for Clemson’s tempo/choice game.

Plan: Feature him in early-down shots and glance RPOs; sprinkle orbit/jet to stress leverage.

2) Adam Randall, WR/RB — the matchup stressor

Why more snaps: Two touchdown grabs (35, 23 yards) and meaningful rush reps (8 carries, 30 yards). His physical YAC plus short-yardage utility demand touches.

Plan: Keep the “big slot” and backfield looks; build more 3×1 boundary isolations and shallow/over routes off play-action.

3) Christian Bentancur, TE — red-zone problem

Why more snaps: Box-out ability showed with two TDs (45, 8 yards) on seam/crosser concepts.

Plan: Expand 12-personnel with him as the vertical stressor; dial 2–3 seam shots per game off split-zone play-action.

4) Bryant Wesco Jr., WR/PR — chain-mover with field-flip juice

Why more snaps: Efficient target work (2 for 42) and a 17-yard punt return to flip field position.

Plan: Elevate him on third-down choice routes and boundary outs; keep the return role to steal hidden yards.

DEFENSE — Let the front cook, trust the cover guys

5) T.J. Parker, EDGE — pressure without blitz

Why more snaps: Constant pocket stress (1.0 TFL, 2 QB hurries) even with four-man rush.

Plan: Pair Parker with an interior penetrator on every money down; live in simulated pressures behind him.

6) Stephiylan Green, DT — the interior hammer

Why more snaps: Registered the sack of the day and consistent knock-back in base.

Plan: Increase his third-down 3-tech snaps; force slides his way to free the opposite edge.

7) Khalil Barnes, STAR — the hinge of the disguise game

Why more snaps: Clean slot work with a pass breakup and a QB hurry; quick trigger on flats and screens.

Plan: More nickel/star with Barnes blitzing off motion and rotating to robber; 4–6 designer pressures weekly.

8) Avieon Terrell, CB — physical, ball-aware

Why more snaps: Forced the early fumble and competed at the catch point; confident in press.

Plan: Trust him on the boundary to free safety help elsewhere; mix travel vs. WR1s on passing downs.

Bonus package to keep

Peter Woods, short-yardage hammer: The 3-yard conversion on 4th-and-1 was tone-setting—keep the jumbo look in the call sheet.

Plan: Monthly special but weekly threat; make defenses burn prep time.

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