Which Non-QB Position Group Will Define Clemson’s Season?

Much has been written about the drop in production from the Clemson receivers over the past couple of seasons.

With Cade Klubnik now the starting quarterback for the Tigers, some of the issues in the passing game should be rectified. However, if Clemson is to return to a team capable of making a run at a national title, the receivers have to be better, as well.

ESPNs Andrea Adelson recently called the receivers the biggest non-quarterback position group that could define Dabo Swinney’s team next season.

The downturn in Clemson’s offensive production over the past two seasons has not come just at the quarterback position. The wide receivers, as a whole, have generally underperformed as well. There is an obvious correlation there, but the truth is, the Tigers have not produced a receiver who could stretch the field and make 25-plus-yard catches at the drop of a hat since Tee Higgins in 2019. Last year, the Tigers’ leading receiver was freshman Antonio Williams with 604 yards. In 2021, it was Justyn Ross with 514, and he played injured for most of the season. For quarterback Cade Klubnik to have the type of season many think he can have, his receivers will have to step up as well. Williams returns, but keep an eye on Adam Randall, Beaux Collins and true freshman playmaker Noble Johnson.