It is all about opportunity. Although Clemson boasts one of the deepest and most versatile wide receiver rooms in the country, there are still new wrinkles to be unfolded. While much has been made about the talent Naeem Burroughs brings with him as a true freshman, we might have overlooked Gordon Sellars III a bit. He is poised to make some noise within the context of this Clemson offense.
Grayson Mann of TigerNet highlighted Sellars as one of his fastest risers out of Clemson fall camp. With juniors TJ Moore and Bryant Wesco Jr. sidelined with injuries during the spring, Sellars was one of the Clemson wideouts who took advantage of the situation. He was turning heads throughout spring ball and into fall camp, culminating in Dabo Swinney heaping tremendous praise on him later.
"Gordo, I thought, really had a good day today," Swinney said after Clemson's first of two scrimmages. "It's good to see him continuing to progress. All those young guys have done some good things in camp, but just fun to see them play."
Even if Clemson is breaking in a new starting quarterback, there will be plenty of balls to go around.
Gordon Sellars III might be Clemson's biggest freshman surprise at WR
With Chad Morris calling the shots, do not be shocked if he makes it a point to get Sellars involved early with the context of his offense. His uptempo spread is all about getting the ball into his players' hands in space. Sellars coming down with a touchdown reception from Christopher Vizzina in the spring game is an early sign that the Clemson coaches trust Sellars more than most other freshmen.
Even if Moore and Wesco marvel outside the numbers, as well as Burroughs getting his as an emerging viable third option, there is still room for Sellars to grow and blossom in this offense. His combination of size, speed, and catch radius will serve this 6-foot-3 wide receiver. Above all else, his sure-handed nature may give him a leg up on the competition internally. All it will take is one big play.
While it is imperative for Clemson to get the ground game going this fall, its deep arsenal of receivers could take this offense over the top. Whenever Clemson is firing on all cylinders under Swinney, the Tigers usually have as good a wide receiver corps as anyone in the Power Four. That looks to be the case this season. Give Swinney's staff credit for making sure it knows where its bread is buttered.
The fact that we are even having a conversation about a freshman making this kind of impact is telling. Even if Clemson had a down year a season ago, the Tigers still have more high-end talent than most of the teams it will face in ACC play. That should matter in their quest to get back to Charlotte. While Clemson does have its defensive stars, it may have to be an offense-led team this year, too.
Burroughs may be getting more love than him now, but Sellars can certainly make a name for himself.
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