2007 WRs Preview
By: Roy Philpott
With two-time All-ACC wide receiver Chansi Stuckey now in the NFL with the New York Jets, Clemson’s wide receivers have some ground to make up in 2007.
Gone are Stuckey’s 50 receptions for 700 yards and three touchdowns from a year ago. Gone is his senior leadership.
On paper, it sounds like the Tigers could be in trouble. The reality is nothing could be further from the truth.
Clemson returns three receivers with plenty of experience in pressure situations, and the expected improved play at quarterback should allow for more passes downfield. Add it all up and it should equal greater production for Clemson's wideouts in 2007.
According to wide receivers coach Dabo Swinney, the best thing about this year’s group is experience.
“Rendrick, Aaron and Tyler- they all played as freshmen and sophomores last year,” said Swinney. “They've got a tremendous amount of experience and have played in some big games and made big plays in big games. Then you throw Jacoby in there with him now past his freshman year after having success and making big plays. Those are our four guys that have to get it done for us out of the gate.”
Not surprisingly, the production of this unit will go hand in hand with the play at quarterback. If the Tigers get the kind of inconsisency seen during last season's 1-4 tailspin, all bets are off. But if some combination of Cullen Harper and Willy Korn can get the job done, look out.
Here’s a look at the top returning wide outs, as well as some of the newcomers:
AARON KELLY – Kelly’s numbers fell significantly from his freshman to his sophomore season (47 catches to just 30 last year) but after a strong spring practice, he could be the best of the bunch in 2007.
“His game is at a whole different level,” said Swinney. “He's going to make a bunch of plays and was our best guy on the field this spring. He's pushing 200 pounds and is strong.”
It’s no secret Kelly disappeared at times in 2006. Part of that was due to poor quarterback play. Some would argue part was due to conservative play calling. But a large part was due to the fact Kelly just didn’t get the job done. His run blocking was inconsistent at best and he also dropped a fair share of passes.
This spring however, Kelly put that all behind him and showed the kind of play that could lead to a record-breaking season in 2007. As Clemson’s best downfield threat at 6-feet-6 inches tall, Kelly will thrive assuming the Tigers’ quarterback play improves.
JACOBY FORD – Ford did something last year that is hard for any freshman to do in any sport- live up to the hype. Arriving at Clemson as one of the fastest players in country, Ford proved time and time again he’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Ask South Carolina about his 76-yard touchdown reception. Ask Florida Atlantic about the muffed punt he returned 92 yards for another score.
He can do it a number of different ways.
While not the biggest target, Ford stands to be the biggest beneficiary of Stuckey moving on to the NFL. He’ll play in the slot and be utilized even more this season on swing passes, reverses and punt returns. Don’t be surprised to see his rushing and receiving numbers double this season.
RENDRICK TAYLOR - It’s been two years since Taylor arrived on the scene from Marlboro County, and as each one goes by, expectations seem to get higher and higher for this massive wide out. However the key in 2007 rests on one critical aspect to his game – health. As a freshman, a broken wrist limited him to just nine receptions for 69 yards. Last year he broke his elbow against Wake Forest and only saw action in seven games, catching 12 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown.
He’s shown flashes of brilliance during spring practice and in limited time on game day, but can he stay healthy? If so, the Tigers may have one of the most underrated groups of wide receivers in the ACC this season. Oh by the way, Clemson strength and conditioning coach Joey Batson timed Taylor, who weighs 240 pounds, at 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Wow.
TYLER GRISHAM – Possession receiver? Don’t tell that to Grisham, but if the three receivers mentioned first in this blog stay healthy, it still seems like his role in this offense in 2007. Granted, that’s not a bad place to be and has improved in each of his first two years at Clemson. He was third on the team in receptions last year with 25. He also scored three touchdowns. Both numbers should increase in 2007.
XAVIER DYE – Dye enrolled at Clemson this spring and made enough of an impression to warrant early playing time. A thicker version of Aaron Kelly, Dye needs to learn the playbook and work on his route running see the field this season. Helping his cause is the fact he played his last year of high school football with freshman QB Willy Korn.
LA'DONTE HARRIS - It's hard to believe Harris will be a senior in 2007 but it's true. He'll see spot duty again this season but should improve on his three receptions from a year ago.
JEFF OGREN – Ogren enrolled in school in January 2006 redshirted his freshman year. Has shown surprising speed at times and will see spot duty this season.
NELSON FAERBER – This former walk-on earned a scholarship last year and saw action in 11 games. He's a solid role player who will see spot duty again this season.
With two-time All-ACC wide receiver Chansi Stuckey now in the NFL with the New York Jets, Clemson’s wide receivers have some ground to make up in 2007.Gone are Stuckey’s 50 receptions for 700 yards and three touchdowns from a year ago. Gone is his senior leadership.
On paper, it sounds like the Tigers could be in trouble. The reality is nothing could be further from the truth.
Clemson returns three receivers with plenty of experience in pressure situations, and the expected improved play at quarterback should allow for more passes downfield. Add it all up and it should equal greater production for Clemson's wideouts in 2007.
According to wide receivers coach Dabo Swinney, the best thing about this year’s group is experience.
“Rendrick, Aaron and Tyler- they all played as freshmen and sophomores last year,” said Swinney. “They've got a tremendous amount of experience and have played in some big games and made big plays in big games. Then you throw Jacoby in there with him now past his freshman year after having success and making big plays. Those are our four guys that have to get it done for us out of the gate.”
Not surprisingly, the production of this unit will go hand in hand with the play at quarterback. If the Tigers get the kind of inconsisency seen during last season's 1-4 tailspin, all bets are off. But if some combination of Cullen Harper and Willy Korn can get the job done, look out.
Here’s a look at the top returning wide outs, as well as some of the newcomers:
AARON KELLY – Kelly’s numbers fell significantly from his freshman to his sophomore season (47 catches to just 30 last year) but after a strong spring practice, he could be the best of the bunch in 2007.
“His game is at a whole different level,” said Swinney. “He's going to make a bunch of plays and was our best guy on the field this spring. He's pushing 200 pounds and is strong.”
It’s no secret Kelly disappeared at times in 2006. Part of that was due to poor quarterback play. Some would argue part was due to conservative play calling. But a large part was due to the fact Kelly just didn’t get the job done. His run blocking was inconsistent at best and he also dropped a fair share of passes.
This spring however, Kelly put that all behind him and showed the kind of play that could lead to a record-breaking season in 2007. As Clemson’s best downfield threat at 6-feet-6 inches tall, Kelly will thrive assuming the Tigers’ quarterback play improves.
JACOBY FORD – Ford did something last year that is hard for any freshman to do in any sport- live up to the hype. Arriving at Clemson as one of the fastest players in country, Ford proved time and time again he’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Ask South Carolina about his 76-yard touchdown reception. Ask Florida Atlantic about the muffed punt he returned 92 yards for another score.
He can do it a number of different ways.
While not the biggest target, Ford stands to be the biggest beneficiary of Stuckey moving on to the NFL. He’ll play in the slot and be utilized even more this season on swing passes, reverses and punt returns. Don’t be surprised to see his rushing and receiving numbers double this season.
RENDRICK TAYLOR - It’s been two years since Taylor arrived on the scene from Marlboro County, and as each one goes by, expectations seem to get higher and higher for this massive wide out. However the key in 2007 rests on one critical aspect to his game – health. As a freshman, a broken wrist limited him to just nine receptions for 69 yards. Last year he broke his elbow against Wake Forest and only saw action in seven games, catching 12 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown.
He’s shown flashes of brilliance during spring practice and in limited time on game day, but can he stay healthy? If so, the Tigers may have one of the most underrated groups of wide receivers in the ACC this season. Oh by the way, Clemson strength and conditioning coach Joey Batson timed Taylor, who weighs 240 pounds, at 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Wow.
TYLER GRISHAM – Possession receiver? Don’t tell that to Grisham, but if the three receivers mentioned first in this blog stay healthy, it still seems like his role in this offense in 2007. Granted, that’s not a bad place to be and has improved in each of his first two years at Clemson. He was third on the team in receptions last year with 25. He also scored three touchdowns. Both numbers should increase in 2007.
XAVIER DYE – Dye enrolled at Clemson this spring and made enough of an impression to warrant early playing time. A thicker version of Aaron Kelly, Dye needs to learn the playbook and work on his route running see the field this season. Helping his cause is the fact he played his last year of high school football with freshman QB Willy Korn.
LA'DONTE HARRIS - It's hard to believe Harris will be a senior in 2007 but it's true. He'll see spot duty again this season but should improve on his three receptions from a year ago.
JEFF OGREN – Ogren enrolled in school in January 2006 redshirted his freshman year. Has shown surprising speed at times and will see spot duty this season.
NELSON FAERBER – This former walk-on earned a scholarship last year and saw action in 11 games. He's a solid role player who will see spot duty again this season.
posted by Roy Philpott @ 8:25 PM
2 Comments
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2 Comments:
I think what I like about our WR's is that they are all about the same in the consistency department. There is not one WR that strikes fear in an opponent therefore no need for double teams or the safety cheating.
I really hope the entire unit steps up big and makes every throw look like it is on the money!
What about Markish Jones the speedstar? How come he was not mentioned in the article?
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