Tigers Today: Clemson receiver back from injury, ready to make impact

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Clemson receiver back from injury, ready to make impact

The Tigers picked up good news Thursday when Clemson coach Dabo Swinney announced quarterback Taisun Phommachanh has been fully cleared to play against Georgia.

Swinney also provided an update on receiver Joseph Ngata, who missed the previous two scrimmages with a hamstring injury. Ngata has yet to make a substantial impact during his time at Clemson, despite receiving high praise from the coaching staff.

That could change this season.

“He’s looked great,” Swinney said. “He’s had a great week. Nursed that hamstring a little bit, and he’s had a great week.”

The California native has battled injuries throughout his time at Clemson and enters his junior season with only 24 catches for 323 yards so far in his career. He had seven catches for 83 yards last season.

But if he can stay healthy and become a factor in the passing game this fall, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound receiver has the ability to be a huge part of what Clemson does on the offensive side of the ball.

Five-star defensive lineman Shemar Stewart narrows list to five schools

Five-star defensive lineman Shemar Stewart of Opa Locka (Florida) Monsignor Edward Pace narrowed his list to five schools – Texas A&M, Ohio State, Miami, Georgia and Clemson.

Stewart previously announced a top 10 in December. He eliminated LSU, Alabama, Penn State, Arizona State and Florida from contention. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound senior still has a lot of schools in pursuit, and Thursday cut down his focus to a smaller group of schools as he pushes toward a commitment.

READ MORE: Five-star defensive lineman Shemar Stewart narrows list to five schools

Taisun Phommachanh fully cleared, No. 2 quarterback against Georgia

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Taisun Phommachanh has been cleared from his Achilles injury. Dabo Swinney announced the news Thursday.

The former four-star quarterback from Connecticut injured his Achilles in the spring game. The injury expected to keep Phommachanh out for most of the season.

The return is crucial for the depth in the Tigers quarterback room. Learn more here.

Clemson players placed on scholarship

Dabo Swinney speaks often about how much he appreciates Clemson’s walk-ons. The Tigers are awarding several of them scholarships, ClemsonSports has learned.

ClemsonSports.com senior writer Matt Connolly broke down the players earning scholarships.

Counting down

• Clemson vs. Georgia (season opener): 8 days
• Clemson at South Carolina: 92 days