Fall Camp Preview: Freshmen Receivers Figure to Factor in Prominently

As the 2024 season rapidly approaches, there are multiple questions surrounding this Clemson team, with most coming on the offensive side of the ball. One of those questions regards the Tigers’ lack of explosiveness, something that has plagued the offense for multiple years.

While the injuries that seem to keep hampering the wide receivers have undoubtedly factored in, the coaching staff also went out and added two dynamic players to the room in the 2024 recruiting class. And if history is any indication, at least one of those players will have in impact in 2024.

Antonio Williams made his mark as a freshman in  2022, earning first-team freshman All-American honors. In 2023, it was Tyler Brown, who led Clemson in both catches (52) and receiving yards (531), while also earning freshman All-American honors.

This season, the candidates are two former 5-stars. Bryant Wesco was an early enrollee. The 6-foot-2 wideout averaged 19.1 yards per catch as a senior in high school, consistently showing an ability to stretch the field, something the Tigers have not consistently been able to do in recent seasons.

Coaches raved about the raw talent of Wesco throughout the spring and the freshman flashed signs of his ability during the spring game on a over-the-shoulder touchdown catch.

The only question about Wesco remains durability. After Arriving on campus at 170-pounds, it will be interesting to see how much bulk he’s added when the Tigers have their big weigh in prior to the start of fall camp.

“Gotta have a big summer,” Swinney said after the spring game. “I mean, it’s a long season, and right now he’s not built for it. He’s got a lot of work to do between now and August. The good news is, it’s not like he’s gotta go and play 70 snaps and things like that. I mean, we’re gonna be a deep group. When we put it all together, it’s going to be an impressive group of dudes when it’s all said and done. As good as we’ve been in a while, I believe, if we keep it all together and they stay healthy.”

“So, he’s a guy, he’s going to be factor. I can guarantee you that. I think he’s already gained about seven, eight pounds since he got here. So, big summer, kind of building a little bit more of a foundation for him.”

The second candidate is TJ Moore. Also a former 5-star, Moore was not an early enrollee, so he did not take part in spring practice. Although, he did arrive on campus in early May, meaning he will have some time in the strength program prior to the start of fall camp.

With Moore already pushing the 200-pound mark, of the two, he might be a little more physically ready when it comes to playing every down. The 6-foot-3 target is another wideout capable of stretching the field, as evidenced by his 25.4 yards per catch as a senior in high school. Moore also posted 100 receiving yards 12 times over his junior and senior seasons.

“I just think they’re (both) long, hard to cover one-on-one type of guys,” Swinney said. “They’ve got a lot of natural instincts to them, got natural ball skills, and very polished guys at this stage. That’s why they’re ranked so high. These guys have made a ton of plays, and they’ll show up the day they get here expecting to be great, and that’s the mindset that they bring.”

With Clemson’s inability to consistently pick up the chunk plays through the air in recent years, the progression of he two freshmen wideouts will be one of the more compelling storylines throughout camp.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!