Justyn Ross cleared from injury, will play for Tigers in 2021

Clemson star wide receiver Justyn Ross is officially back from injury.

On Friday, Clemson announced that the former blue-chip wideout from Alabama is officially back this season to play for Dabo Swinney’s Tigers. A preseason All-American selection, the expectations are high for the 6-foot-4 wide receiver. He is currently in COVID-19 protocol.

“He’s doing great. Just looks phenomenal,” Swinney said during spring practice about the injury process. “He’s done a really good job of leading and really working through. … I’m proud of him. Just continue to keep him in our prayers that we’re going to get the news that we all want.”

The Tigers now have the news the program has been waiting on for months. The star receiver enters the year with 112 career receptions, 1,865 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns. This veteran has played nearly 1,000 snaps in his career and has performed in the biggest moments. In the 2018 national championship win over Alabama, Ross went off with six receptions for 153 yards with a 74-yard touchdown. This is a big-time player.

“It’s been a long process, but it’s a blessing to say that I’ve been cleared to return this season,” Ross wrote on Instagram. “I am so thankful to my family, coaches and teammates for their support, to the Clemson trainers and doctors for their hard work, and to my surgeon Dr. Okonkwo for believing this was possible. I’m grateful I had access to so many experts to help me heal and give me the chance to determine my own future.

“I never take for granted the opportunity to wear that No. 8 jersey here at Clemson, and I am so blessed to be able to put it on again and go play the game I love.”

Justyn Ross’ impact

Clemson has recruited the wide receiver position well, but there were some glaring holes if Justyn Ross was not available. Ajou Ajou, Frank Ladson Jr., Joseph Ngata, and E.J. Williams can be big-time players, but more development could be needed, and growing pains could occur. This gives each receiver time to grow within the offense.

Ross will step in, and man the slot receiver position. He will also be able to move around to help the offense wherever possible. Offensive coordinator Tony Elliott has a major chess piece to use against defenses weekly.

“The good thing about him is now you’re going to be able to move him around,” said Elliott. “Because he’s going to start in the slot but he’s still going to have to be proficient on the outside. You can just kind of get him off the ball a little bit, move him around, create some matchups. We’re really excited about that.”

Creating matchups is the name of the game in college football. During the 2021 season, Ross will do that for the offense and create easier decisions for sophomore quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei. The redshirt junior needs 1,527 yards this season to break the all-time record set by Sammy Watkins at Clemson with 3,391 yards from 2011-13. Ross might be able to run that down this fall.

The national championship contenders just got more dangerous with the return of Justyn Ross.

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