DJ Uiagalelei praises play of talented freshman Antonio Williams at receiver

As No. 5 Clemson continues to roll through the 2022 season quarterback DJ Uiagalelei keeps showing improvement. So, too, do his receivers. Like freshman Antonio Williams, who caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from the veteran quarterback in the fourth quarter of a 48-20 win over Louisiana Tech this weekend.

Williams is one of 15 Clemson pass-catchers so far this season, with the Tigers spreading the ball around quite a bit.

He might also be one of the most talented.

“He’s just been a real spark, man,” Uiagalelei said. “He’s been a real easy guy to throw the ball to. Goes out there and makes plays. It’s been real nice to see him, man. He’s continuing to keep getting better each and every week so it’s going to be real exciting to get to see him play.”

Though the Tigers have targeted a ton of different players in the passing game, Williams is emerging as one of the primary options.

He’s tied for the team lead with nine catches, accounting for 133 yards and a touchdown. Only Beaux Collins has recorded more receiving yardage or touchdown receptions, at 158 yards and three scores, respectively.

Freshman Antonio Williams can win 50-50 balls

What emerged from Saturday’s touchdown grab against the Bulldogs was how comfortable Williams looked going up in traffic.

Lining up as the lone receiver to the field side against Louisiana Tech cornerback Myles Brooks on a second-and-9 from the 19-yard line, Williams gave a quick fake inside initially off the snap, then bounced outside on a fade route.

Brooks ran with him step for step in coverage, but Uiagalelei dropped a dime right over Brooks’ left shoulder into the freshman Antonio Williams’ breadbasket. Touchdown.

“I think Antonio, it was kind of like we just had press,” Uiagalelei said. “It was a press/fade, and I just tried to put the ball in the best spot I can. He made a great play, went out there, ran out there and grabbed the ball. He made an unbelievable catch.”

Don’t expect it to be the last for the former four-star receiver and the No. 75 overall player in the nation in the On3 Consensus Football Recruiting Rankings for the 2022 class.