Clemson sophomore wide receiver Antonio Williams is a big fan of former Tiger great DeAndre ‘Nuk’ Hopkins. As a player, Williams has a strikingly similar repertoire to the former Clemson wideout, and he works every day to bring that same intensity to the field.
That intensity is rubbing off on the rest of the Tigers’ offense.
As Clemson practiced at Jervey Meadows for the first time on Thursday, that fire in Williams was evident, as it certainly was with the rest of the team.
“He’s Nuk Hopkins. Even if it looks like he’s not open, he’s open and he’s going to make a play,” said Williams. “His catch radius is not the biggest. He’s not a big guy, but he’s got great hands and he’s just a dawg. Every time he steps on the field, he’s ready to make a statement.”
Antonio made his own statement as a true freshman during the 2022 season, providing one bit of stability among a receiving core that experienced a great amount of attrition. Under new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, and with another year together with quarterback Cade Klubnik, Williams could potentially put together a special year rivaling the famed Hopkins whom he grew up watching.
Williams added that the receivers’ room has developed a close-knit relationship and one that helps each player feed off his teammates’ energy.
“We are way closer than we were last year,” said Williams of the bond in Clemson’s receiver’s room. “We get along better and everyone wants to see each other succeed. We have depth everywhere I feel like, and I know if I’m not doing what I need to do on the field, my coach is going to put somebody else in. If I’m out there ‘lollygagging’ (sic) then I know my coach is going to take me out. There is no room for kidding around.”
Williams proved one of the more dynamic freshman receivers in the country in 2022, accounting for 604 receiving yards and 56 catches. But Williams admits there was a maturation process he had to work his way through, and adding a higher level of accountability is something he is striving to achieve.
“I think as a freshman, I was kind of immature. It was a lot on my plate, trying to focus on football and school at the same time, so I would show up late to class… just being tired from trying to gain a starting position. It was just a lot. This year I am trying to take a step back. Focus on school because that is the main priority and just doing both at a high level.”
Williams exudes confidence, and that confidence is contagious. Clemson football enters this season with a clear chip on their shoulders after consecutive three-loss campaigns. Williams said there is a noticeable difference among the team.
“We definitely have more confidence and we’re competing every day,” he said.
That competition even led tempers to flare during Thursday’s practice. With the offense and defense battling to gain an upper hand on the other, several skirmishes broke out and it led Swinney to sending several players off the practice field.
That is not a worry to Williams, and he pointed out that it is just part of the work ethic and determination that is fueling the team. Both sides want to win, and are willing to work as hard as they have to in order to accomplish greatness.
“I know y’all (the media) weren’t there the whole practice, but y’all left before the ‘W’ drill; if y’all know what that is, where we get physical and stuff,” said Williams. “We had people fighting out there. Dabo had to kick some guys out, but we’re competing.”
If the Tigers can carry that intensity over to the field on game days this fall, it very well could be a train of misery rolling down the tracks at Clemson opponents. The competition within the team is driving the players ever harder.
“One day, the defense might win, but the next day (the offense) is coming back with an edge and we’re trying to win the next day as well. So, it’s a back and forth. Last year, I feel like (the defense) got more days than we did. It’s even right now, but I think today we won.”
