Dabo Swinney updates Will Taylor's progression at wide receiver

When it comes to versatile athletes across college sports, there aren’t many that can beat Clemson wide receiver Will Taylor. Originally a quarterback when he began his collegiate career, Taylor also plays in the outfield on Clemson’s baseball team and even got a base hit in his first collegiate at-bat in the spring.

From a football perspective, making the transition from quarterback to wide receiver can be a tough one. But it is also one that can help a player truly learn the properties of an offense. That was Clemson’s plan last year, and head coach Dabo Swinney raved about Taylor’s versatility in a press conference leading into fall camp.

“Baller. He’s a baller,” Swinney said of Taylor. “I mean he’s Will Taylor. He shows up, hadn’t played baseball and then what, hit close to .300 or so? I mean he’s probably faster than he’s ever been and he’s always been fast. He’s strong, he’s confident, he’s got enough experience now, went through camp last year.

“He obviously hasn’t – as you all know, our plan with him last year was we really brought him through as a quarterback to train him up with foundation and the perspective of a quarterback knowing we were going to move him. But really equip ourselves that way. Obviously our quarterback room is in amazing shape, so we’re excited about that.”

Swinney is excited to watch Taylor develop in Clemson’s offense

As a freshman last season, Taylor caught two passes for six yards and added five rushing attempts for 20 yards. He also returned six punts for 64 yards, averaging 10.7 yards per return. Taylor also returned one kickoff for 14 yards.

Swinney is undoubtedly excited about Taylor’s potential, and the two-sport star could play himself into a big role int he Tigers offense in no time.

“But we were transitioning him Game 4 last year. We were in that process and whatever it was, third play of the game, fourth play of the game and he’s out,” continued Swinney. “He was on his way. All I can tell you is I started him at punt returner against Georgia in his opening game on the road in Charlotte. There’s not many freshmen I would run out there in that regard.

“He’s just a baller, man. I can’t wait to be able to get on the field and start coaching him as a wideout. He’s fast, he’s explosive. I’ve got to kind of see where he is because I haven’t been able to – he wasn’t able to do anything in the spring so I haven’t really been able to coach him since last fall. But he’s got everything. He’s going to be a great player and it’ll be fun watching him develop.”