We were supposed to see it this season. One of the most dynamic offenses in college football. However, like so many other things, 2020 threw a wrench into those plans.
Clemson lost Justyn Ross in the spring. Having Frank Ladson Jr and Joseph Ngata was supposed to help ease that loss, but both had major issues staying healthy. Ladson barely played over the second half of the season and Ngata was banged up pretty much all season.
Cornell Powell and Amari Rodgers stepped up admirably in their absences, but as good as those two guys were, imagine if Trevor Lawrence would have had a full arsenal of weapons. That is what DJ Uiagalelei will have to work with next season.
With Justyn Ross announcing that he will return to Clemson next season, the 2021 Clemson offense got a major boost on Thursday. Him, along with a healthy Ladson and Ngata, gives the Tigers a trio of wideouts that most every other program can only dream of having.
Then there’s EJ Williams and Ajou Ajou. Williams was already starting to come on strong towards the end of the season. Having a full year of conditioning and a full spring will help tremendously as far as his development. Add in Beaux Collins, Dacari Collins and Troy Stellato and we’re talking about all kinds of competition when it comes to reps. And you know what they say about iron sharpening iron.
The Tigers will also be as deep as they have ever been under Dabo Swinney next season at the tight end position. Braden Galloway, Davis Allen, both experienced veterans and Jake Briningstool, the incoming freshman who is considered the best tight end prospect in the country in the 2021 recruiting cycle.
There will be no shortage weapons come 2021 for Uiagalelei to work with in his first season as the starting quarterback. Add in a running back room, that even without Travis Etienne will still be one of the deepest in the country, and the sky is the limit.
