Clemson receiver has 'dominated' spring scrimmages

As a freshman in 2022, Antonio Williams led Clemson in both receptions and receiving yards.

The former Dutch Fork star picked up where he left off to start the spring and has taken his game to another level.

Williams could be in for a monster year in new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley’s system.

“He’s already improved. I think we’ve challenged him a good bit to just mature in every sense of the word,” Clemson receivers coach Tyler Grisham said. “He’s responded well. He’s steady. He doesn’t ride the emotional roller coaster. He’s one of those rock solid guys when it comes to showing up and being who he is every day. You can count on him.”

Williams was a backup receiver the first three games of his freshman season, before earning the starting slot receiver job entering the fourth game. He never looked back after earning the starting role.

The Irmo native is an excellent route runner, has strong hands and can make you miss after the catch.

The Tigers will utilize the middle of the field more in Riley’s offense, which should lead to even more opportunities for Williams.

“He’s practicing his tail off,” Grisham said. “He has dominated the scrimmages already, making plays, playing strong, playing tough, putting his shoulder pads down and finishing plays north and south. He’s already improved.”

Williams is also the first-team punt returner and is a natural with the ball in his hands on special teams.

The Clemson coaching staff is confident that he will follow up his impressive freshman season in 2022 with another strong year this fall.

“He’s very self motivated, but we are challenging him to take another step, because he can — to not be satisfied, because he’s a phenomenal player,” Grisham said. “But he can be one of the best out there and be elite. Going to have to continue to be a leader for us and speak up a little bit more.”

‘You feel like a freshman’

In addition to Clemson players having to learn Riley’s new system, the Clemson coaching staff has had to as well.

“You feel like a freshman a little bit,” Grisham said. “As a staff, you’re sitting there and everything’s new. You’re learning new signals.”

The good news is that there has been a complete buy-in from both the staff and players. Riley, who was the Broyles Award Winner last year, has proven what he can do running an offense at SMU and TCU.

The Clemson coaching staff and players fully trust him.

“I think we’re excited that Garrett’s had great success with his scheme, with his offense I think the guys are excited. We’re all excited to learn something new and let our playmakers make plays. Our guys are having fun and playing free,” Grisham said.

“It’s been a fun transition, but it’s taken a lot of work by the staff and by the guys. Everyone’s bought in and it’s gone well so far.”