Clemson Wideout Joseph Ngata Attempting to Get Past Injuries That Have Plagued Him

The Clemson coaches head into the season with hopes that what has been a trend to this point doesn’t continue for one of their star receivers.

As fall camp began, there were two big questions to be answered when it came to the Tiger’s receiving corp. One was would star receiver Justyn Ross be cleared to play and another was whether or not Joseph Ngata could get past a plague of injuries that has hampered him so far during his Clemson career. The answer to the first question has been answered. Now they hope the second question has a favorable answer.

Ngata is coming off of a rough 2020 season that saw him miss extended playing time over the Tiger’s 12 games due to injuries. He hauled in just seven passes for 83 yards last season.

He had 83 receiving yards in April’s spring game alone but during fall camp he has already missed practices due to a hamstring injury. If Ngata can stay healthy he is expected to be a starter against Georgia on Sept. 4. His body type and ability to move so well all over the field makes him a threat that can be hard for defenses to contain. But for him to be able to help the Clemson offense out in any way though, first he’s got to stay healthy.

“Joe’s still out,” Swinney said after a recent scrimmage. “Hopefully it’s not a long-term thing. Just been battling a hamstring.”

Make no mistake. The Tigers aren’t lacking for talent at receiver. They are pretty deep at that position. Ajou Ajou has shown he can be a force to be reckoned with during fall camp. Beaux Collins and Dacari Collins have had their moments.

Then there’s Justyn Ross who is chomping at the bit after missing all of last year. Frank Ladson Jr. is extremely motivated after dealing with injuries himself last season. E.J. Williams is expected to put up numbers in this offense. But it would be an added bonus if Ngata can stay healthy.