Clemson football has not gotten the production from its receivers that the Tigers are accustomed to over the past two seasons. That is no secret.
As Clemson dives headlong into its 2024 spring practice, there is reason for optimism that this coming season will be different. The Tigers return a bevy of talented wideouts and with the addition of freshmen dynamos Bryant Wesco and T.J. Moore, the receiver position looks more solid than it has in some time.
Health has been a concern at the position, and finally, Clemson has a mostly intact group not to mention veteran leadership in spades. Antonio Williams, who missed most of the 2023 season due to injury, is healthy and could be one of the top options out wide. Tyler Brown, who burst onto the scene as a true freshman last year, could also take the next step in his development as he continues to prove what a dynamic playmaker he is.
Brown started nine games for the Tigers in 2023, registering 52 receptions for 531 yards and four touchdowns. His best game came in Clemson’s win at Syracuse when Brown caught nine passes for 153 yards.
Also back is Adam Randall. The imposing junior from Myrtle Beach has already turned heads after the first two days of spring practice with an acrobatic grab that was reminiscent of former Clemson receiver and fellow South Carolina native Mike Williams. Troy Stellato, the former 4-star prospect who finally saw significant action in 2023 after two years of physical maladies, can also provide depth.
But where the Tigers could get their biggest boost is in the freshman tandem of Bryant Wesco and T.J. Moore. Wesco, a 5-star recruit from Midlothian, TX, was an early enrollee and is already drawing praise from the Clemson defensive backs who have to cover him in practice.
Among those who raved about Wesco’s abilities are Khalil Barners and R.J. Mickens.
“I had never seen Wesco play,” stated Barnes. “I just knew he’s a tall kid, so I thought he was going to be one move release but he’s real sticky. He’s fast. He’s going to be a problem for sure.”
Khalil Barnes
When asked which of his receiver teammates have made the biggest impression on him in the first two days of practice, Mickens did not hesitate with his answer.
“The one that stuck out was Wesco,” Mickens added. “I think he’s going to be really special, and I got to work with him. That’s why I’m saying that. I don’t get to watch them a lot but me and him got some work individually and he’s from Texas as well, so I’m really excited for what the future holds.”
R.J. Mickens
It is not just the receivers that Clemson football is looking for big seasons from. The tight end room is as deep and talented as it has been in a long time. Jake Briningstool, who took a major step in his role within the offense by the end of last season, is back and a match-up nightmare for teams at 6-foot-5 inches. Along with Jake, Josh Sapp enters his sophomore season along with Olsen Patt-Henry which gives Coach Dabo Swinney and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley a plethora of options.
“Jake Briningstool is coming off a great 2023 and has the chance to break records in 2024,” opined Swinney.
Dabo Swinney
Swinney said in his first spring practice media session that his Tigers need to find more consistency in the passing game. A portion of that consistency resides in the production of Clemson’s receivers. So far, for that position group, 2024 is off to a promising start.
