Clemson 'back in business' at receiver after tough 2021 season

Clemson receivers coach Tyler Grisham is the first to admit that his group did not play up to the Clemson standard last season.

Grisham doesn’t expect that to be an issue in 2022 based off of what he has seen so far this spring.

“I’m really pleased. We’re back in business,” Grisham said earlier this week. “The guys are flying around, making plays. I think in our last scrimmage we had 11 big plays – did some good things, did some bad things. But man, we’re really making some big plays down the field and I’m seeing a lot of improvement. A lot of excitement, a lot of energy. Overall, I’m really, really excited about what we’ve got going on.”

Beaux Collins and Joseph Ngata have been the top two performers this spring and are slated to start on the outside for the Tigers.

Grisham described Collins as “a pro” and said Ngata appears ready to have a huge year now that he is finally fully healthy for the first time since his freshman season.

“He’s been consistent. He’s making plays. He’s leading. This is the best he’s led, the most verbal he’s been on the field,” Grisham said. “And in the meeting room he’s great. He’s like another coach. He can help me out. He’s been everything I’ve hoped for up to this point.”

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPECIAL OFFER AND GET 4 MONTHS OF FULL ACCESS TO CLEMSON SPORTS FOR $10

Redshirt junior Brannon Spector has been working as the first-team slot this spring. The plan was for Spector to split time with E.J. Williams in the slot. But with Williams out for the spring with a knee injury, Spector has gotten all of the first-team work and has responded well.

Spector missed all of last season as he dealt with complications from COVID-19 but is now healthy and making plays.

“I don’t think we really expected him to be able to push through and get the amount of reps he’s gotten,” Grisham said. “So I think we’re thrilled to see him, with the speed, with the quickness, the short area burst is what he does — solid pass catcher, very natural pass catcher. So those guys, kind of rolling out there first, have done a really good job.”

Behind those three, there’s freshman Adam Randall, sophomore Dacari Collins and redshirt freshman Troy Stellato battling for playing time.

Freshman Antonio Williams will arrive this summer as he is currently finishing up high school at Dutch Fork High. EJ Williams and fellow sophomore Will Taylor should be back this summer as well and will be ready to help this fall.

When you add it all together, you have a group that Grisham is thrilled with.

“There’s excitement. There’s competition. It’s an honor to play receiver at Clemson and to run out there first,” Grisham said. “I think this is the most I’ve challenged the guys, like ‘Hey man, understand, this is the standard. We’ve set a standard at Clemson, and we’re going to get back to that. And it’s going to take work out here at practice before it shows up on Saturdays.'”