Coach Kyle Richardson had a significant impact on the Clemson Tigers’ offensive success as the team’s passing game coordinator and tight ends coach in 2022. His expertise in developing and maximizing the potential of the tight end group helped the Tigers become one of only five Power Five teams to have multiple tight ends catch at least four touchdown passes. The 67 catches, 748 yards, and 10 touchdowns recorded by the tight ends were the most the unit had achieved under head coach Dabo Swinney, which is a testament to Coach Richardson’s ability to identify and exploit his players’ strengths.
One of Coach Richardson’s most notable achievements was the development of Davis Allen, who earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2022 after posting career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Jake Briningstool also thrived under his guidance, amassing 285 yards and four touchdowns on 25 receptions.
When asked about the offense?
Coach Richardson
“You know it’s one of those things where you know this system allows the offense alot more freedom to go out and play” said Coach Richardson “Where in the past there may have been a play where a play had to be in a spot and had to run a specific route.”
Furthermore, Clemson’s tight end group’s success was an essential factor in the team’s balanced attack, and Coach Richardson’s experience as a Senior Offensive Assistant and Director of Player Development and Freshman Transition helped him become an integral off-field contributor to the team’s offensive success.
Jake Briningstool and Sage Ennis are two of the tight ends who will receive significant playing time. Jake Briningstool is expected to make a big impact as a lethal weapon in the passing game. He has caught 28 passes for 352 yards and five touchdowns over the course of 22 games (with just one start) and 494 offensive snaps.
In 2022, Jake Briningstool had an outstanding season, hauling in 25 receptions for 285 yards and four touchdowns in just 14 games (with one start). Along with Davis Allen, he became one half of the first tight end duo at Clemson to each notch four touchdown catches in a single season. He also earned a place on the All-ACC Academic Team.
What is it about the offense that lets guys get so wide-open?
Jake Briningstool
“We just started installing the spring so we’re kind of just getting the basics of the offense but the main reason is the freedom of the route running is the biggest difference.” Said Briningstool
Sage Ennis has played in 31 games, appearing in 278 offensive snaps and catching three passes for 25 yards since 2020. He had only made one start during this time. Ennis played in all 14 games in 2022, appearing in 54 offensive snaps and performing on special teams. He was also selected for the All-ACC Academic Team, and during the game against Notre Dame, he caught two passes for 17 yards.
In conclusion, the Tigers’ tight end group has shown tremendous success under the guidance of Coach Kyle Richardson in the 2022 season. His ability to develop his players and leverage their strengths has resulted in impressive performances from multiple players on the team. Coach Richardson’s extensive experience at Clemson and his off-field contributions have made him an essential component of the Tigers’ offensive strategy. With promising players like Jake Briningstool and Sage Ennis joining the team, Clemson’s tight end group is poised to continue their impressive run of success in the upcoming 2023 season under Coach Richardson’s leadership.
