Clemson’s 2026 recruiting class was hailed as one of the fastest in the country, and through the early days of “Mat Drills” and individual work, Dabo Swinney makes the case the hype is legit. Swinney singled out three true freshman receivers, Naeem Burroughs, Connor Salmin, and Gordon Sellars III, as those players who are “as advertised” as they come off from a physical perspective.
"Salmin can fly. He is a rocket," Swinney said, remarking that the freshman might already be the fastest player on the whole roster. Burroughs, on the other hand, was lauded for his physical build. "Burroughs is bigger than I thought he was. This kid is just put together … he’s strong."
The measurables of this group, including those for explosive growth and smooth athleticism, were something Swinney spoke joyfully about, and I could feel the excitement brewing. So the goal for this spring is to get these “rockets” acclimated to the scheme as early as possible. Given that veteran Bryant Wesco Jr. and TJ Moore are hobbled by some recovery, the window of opportunity is wide for a handful of freshmen to claim a colossal chunk of the first-team reps.
“It’s always a fun day when you get on the field... especially with so many new people,” Swinney said. “I really can’t wait to see them run [timed 40s] again in May.”
But if these freshmen can translate the track speed to the gridiron, the “Morris Magic” offense may get the vertical threats it has been missing for so long.