Breaking down how Clemson tight ends have performed in camp

CLEMSON — The tight end position could be a much bigger part of Clemson’s offense in 2022.

First-year tight ends coach Kyle Richardson has a deep and talented group to work with, led by 6-6 senior Davis Allen.

The Georgia native finished third on Clemson’s team in receptions last year with 28 and is also one of the better blocking tight ends in the country.

“Davis Allen is a solid oak tree, man. He’s a pro,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “He’s the epitome of a pro with how he handles himself, his commitment, his toughness, everything about him.”

One of the players who could make the biggest jump on offense this season is sophomore tight end Jake Briningstool.

The Tennessee native has been one of the standouts during preseason camp so far and can be a weapon for DJ Uiagalelei this fall.

Briningstool has good size and speed and will play alongside Allen some in two-tight end sets.

“Brining’s been awesome. This has been by far the best patch of Brining that we’ve had. He’s the best Briningstool that he’s been since he got here,” Swinney said. “Last year he was like a dang 2-year-old lab running around out there crazy. And just wide open, 100 miles an hour. Super talented.”

Briningstool caught only three passes for 67 yards last season. That number should be much higher this year.

“Had to get bigger, had to get stronger, had a lot to learn. I thought he finished well in the spring, and I thought he carried that momentum over into the summer,” Swinney said. “But he’s had a really good camp. I mean he’s a really talented player. He’s done some really good things.”

Clemson also returns sophomore Sage Ennis and senior Luke Price. The Tigers added a freshman in Greenville native Josh Sapp.

Ennis and Price should serve as solid reserves in 2022, while Sapp will likely redshirt.

“Sage is kind of the same as Davis. Just very steady. Tough, gritty,” Swinney said. “Nobody ever talks about Luke Price. Luke Price has really made himself a good player. If it’s short yardage and goal line, you want Luke Price in the game. He brings a lot of grit and toughness and an incredible football IQ. This guy really, really knows the game.”

Sapp is likely redshirting because Clemson is so deep at tight end, but Swinney still believes he has an incredibly bright future.

The son of former Clemson star Patrick Sapp, Josh Sapp wasn’t a highly-recruited prospect coming out of high school, but he’s been very impressive early on.

“Josh Sapp, man we hit a home run getting that kid. We are lucky to have him. He’s a really good player. He’s made a play every day, and he had a touchdown [Wednesday] to start the scrimmage off. He’s a diverse, savvy guy,” Swinney said.

“This kid’s 240 pounds and really soft hands and he’s hard to tackle. He’s still learning, but it’s a really good group. I think they’re poised to have a really good year for us.”