Riley Breaks Down Impact Freshmen Wideouts Can Have on Offense

Much is expected of both Bryant Wesco and TJ Moore as they enter their first season at Clemson.

Both are former 5-star wideouts and with the Clemson passing game lacking the ability to stretch the field consistently last season, their arrival comes at an opportune time.

While offensive coordinator Garrett Riley expects both freshmen to step up and contribute this season, it’s Wesco that is a little ahead at this point, as the No. 14 Tigers get set to open the season against No. 1 Georgia on Saturday in Atlanta.

“I think they’re both going to help us,” Riley said. “I mean, obviously Bryant’s got a little bit of a leg up from a mental standpoint of being here longer and going through spring ball and all those sort of things. And TJ is coming on very, very quickly.”

Riley maintains that both receivers have stepped up throughout fall camp. Now they’ve just got to do it under the bright lights and on the big stage.

“From a talent standpoint, from just seeing them in practice… you haven’t seen them in games yet, but what we’re seeing on the field against our defense every day, those two guys are not shy to go make a play. I’ll put it that way,” Riley added.

However, while Wesco has the advantage of having been on campus since January, Riley was quick to point out that Moore has made strides since his arrival over the summer, and he expects that pace to pick up as the Tigers get into the season.

“Just everything kind of slowing down for him,” Riley added. “From a talent level, with catching and getting open and just his skill set, he’s got it. There’s no question about it. It’s just the detail and the mental part of that. Obviously, you got to bring some guys along. Now that we’re truly getting into a normal week, a game plan, not installing things every other day like you’re typically doing in fall camp, and things move quickly from an install perspective, you know, things will start slowing down for him.”

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