Dabo Swinney: Antonio Williams isn't your typical freshman

Every season in college football, a freshman comes around and makes a name for himself right off the bat. And this year, for the Clemson Tigers, that individual is none other than wide receiver Antonio Williams. During a recent Tiger’s press conference, head coach Dabo Swinney explained why Williams isn’t your typical freshman.

“Yeah, he’s a very skilled, highly advanced freshman. I mean, he’s a freshman, but he’s not your typical freshman, you know,” said Swinney. “He’s really, really skilled and has a great understanding of the game; he is very instinctive. He came from a great program, and he’s won a bunch. There’s just a lot of things that he came in knowing and understanding that a lot of kids don’t. So, he has excellent ball skills, and he’s got great explosive speed. And he’s not even close to what he’s going to be. I mean, because we got to get him in that weight room. We got to really develop him a little bit more physically. But he’s a really, really good player and has become a real weapon for us. Made a lot of big plays in seven games.”

Williams has contributed early and often for the Tigers this season. On the year, the true freshmen has recorded 24 catches for 334 yards with two touchdowns. His 24 receptions in 334 yards are the best on the team, just ahead of senior Joseph Ngata and sophomore Beaux Collins.

Heading into the season, there was some concern about Clemson’s offense about the playmakers on the outside. Now, seven games into the season, there is no doubt that Williams has eased those concerns for now and the foreseeable future.

Swinney raved about Williams well before the start of the season

Swinney has had his fair share of elite-level pass catchers at Clemson in recent history. His list of past stars includes Mike Williams, Sammy Watkins, and DeAndre Hopkins. Before the season even started, Swinney likened Williams, along with another fellow 2022 class signee Adam Randall to those individuals listed above.

“We’ll have to get them here .. getting them here, and really assessing where they are,” stated Swinney. “Adam is a big, physical guy that can handle himself in the boundary. But he’s got all the skills he needs to play to the field or in the slot, he can really do all of them. Then, Antonio is the same way. He’s most likely, just body type will be a two and five-man for us. But as far as where he ends up, when it’s all said and done, those guys most of the time cross-train and play multiple spots. But he’s a returner, he can do it all.

“It’s kind of wild again — both of them have the same birthday. So, pretty cool that two great receiver born to come to Clemson on the same day. Dynamic. Both of them are very dynamic. I mean, Adam’s played quarterback, wildcat — he’s done a little bit of everything. So anticipate those guys being able to bring a very diverse skillset to the position.”

Sweeney has some high expectations for his freshman star even before the start of the season. And so far, with the performances, Williams is proving his head coach’s prediction true.