Scouting the key players on the 2024 Clemson Tigers

Here’s a detailed look at Clemson’s key players as the Tigers prepare to face Texas in the College Football Playoff.

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No. 2 Cade Klubnik, QB

Height/Weight: 6’2”, 205 lbs
Stats: 3303 passing yards, 33 TDs, 5 INTs; 458 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs

Klubnik is a true dual-threat quarterback who has the ability to hurt defenses in multiple ways. His quick decision-making and improving accuracy allow him to distribute the ball effectively, while his mobility gives him the ability to escape pressure and extend plays. What makes him especially dangerous is his speed in the open field, which allows him to turn broken plays into big gains or even score from distance.

Defenses must account for him as both a passer and runner, forcing them to play disciplined. As an Austin, Texas native, facing the Longhorns will give Klubnik added motivation, particularly given his high school rivalry with Texas QB Quinn Ewers.

No. 7 Phil Mafah, RB

Height/Weight: 6’1”, 230 lbs
Stats: 1106 rushing yards, 8 TDs; 19 receptions, 88 yards

Mafah is the definition of a physical, downhill runner with surprising agility for his size. At 6’1” and 230 pounds, he’s a bruiser who thrives in the second half of games, wearing down defenses and breaking big runs late. His vision and balance allow him to hit holes with authority, and his strong lower body makes him difficult to tackle one-on-one. Mafah also brings versatility, showing reliable hands in the passing game. Clemson will rely on his ability to sustain drives and control the tempo against a tough Texas defense. He might be a little dinged up heading into this game, but he’s still a formidable piece of the Clemson offense.

No. 0 Antonio Williams, WR

Height/Weight: 5’11”, 190 lbs
Stats: 71 receptions, 838 yards, 10 TDs; 7 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD

Williams is Clemson’s most explosive playmaker and Klubnik’s go-to target. His combination of precise route-running, quick acceleration, and exceptional hands makes him a constant threat. Williams can beat defenders with his speed downfield, while his run-after-catch ability turns short passes into game-changing plays. Clemson also uses him creatively on jet sweeps, where his vision and burst have made him a scoring threat. He’s the kind of player Texas must know the location of at all times.

No. 12 Bryant Wesco Jr., WR

Height/Weight: 6’2”, 180 lbs
Stats: 38 receptions, 678 yards, 5 TDs

Wesco’s size, athleticism, and ball skills make him a perfect complement to Williams. At 6’2”, he has the frame to dominate in contested catch situations, particularly on 50/50 balls. What makes him especially dangerous is his ability to stretch defenses vertically and track the ball deep downfield. Wesco’s strong hands and ability to create after the catch were on full display in his standout performance against SMU (120 yards, 2 TDs). If Texas focuses too much on Williams, Wesco has the tools to make them pay.

No. 3 TJ Parker, DE

Height/Weight: 6’3”, 265 lbs
Stats: 54 tackles, 11 sacks, 19 TFLs, 6 forced fumbles

Parker is Clemson’s most disruptive defender and a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. His explosiveness off the snap, combined with his ability to shed blockers, allows him to consistently pressure quarterbacks. What separates him is his relentless effort to not just sack the quarterback but also create turnovers, as shown by his six forced fumbles. Texas’ offensive line must account for Parker on every snap, as he thrives in obvious passing situations.

No. 0 Barrett Carter, LB

Height/Weight: 6’1”, 225 lbs
Stats: 76 tackles, 11 TFLs, 3.5 sacks

Carter is the leader of Clemson’s defense and one of the most versatile linebackers in the country. His elite instincts and athleticism allow him to read plays quickly, close gaps in the run game, and make tackles in space. Carter also possesses the speed to chase down runners and effectively blitz off the edge. Whether it’s stopping the run, dropping into coverage, or applying pressure on the quarterback, Carter does it all at a high level.

Clemson Secondary

Clemson’s defensive backfield features a blend of leadership, athleticism, and playmaking ability.

No. 9 RJ Mickens, S
Height/Weight: 6’0”, 210 lbs
Stats: 67 tackles, 1 INT, 6 PBUs

Mickens, a senior and former teammate of Ewers’ at Southlake Carroll, is the glue of Clemson’s secondary. He excels at diagnosing plays and getting the defense lined up. His range allows him to defend deep routes, while his physicality makes him effective near the line of scrimmage.

No. 7 Khalil Barnes, S
Height/Weight: 6’0”, 195 lbs
Stats: 4 INTs, 3 PBUs, 56 tackles

Barnes is a rising star with natural ball-hawking instincts. He does an excellent job reading quarterbacks and positioning himself to make plays on the ball. His ability to protect the deep middle of the field will be crucial against Texas’ explosive passing attack.

No. 20 Avieon Terrell, CB
Height/Weight: 6’0”, 185 lbs
Stats: 39 tackles, 2 INTs, 6 PBUs

Terrell’s quick feet, ball skills, and recovery speed make him a strong cover corner. He’s versatile, capable of playing both outside and nickel, and Clemson uses him on occasional blitzes to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.

No. 23 Ashton Hampton, CB
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 200 lbs
Stats: 23 tackles, 2 INTs, 4 PBUs

Hampton brings physicality and size to Clemson’s secondary. At 6’2”, he matches up well against bigger receivers and has the athleticism to hold his own in coverage. Hampton also supports the run well, helping Clemson contain plays on the perimeter.

No. 81 Nolan Hauser, K

Height/Weight: 6’1”, 190 lbs
Stats: 17/23 FGs, Long of 56; 56/57 PATs

Hauser has been a steady and reliable presence for Clemson’s special teams. Despite being a freshman, he’s proven to be clutch, highlighted by his game-winning field goal in the ACC Championship against SMU. With range out to 56 yards, Hauser provides Clemson with a scoring option in tight games.

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For Clemson to upset Texas, they will need to control the tempo, create turnovers, and take advantage of scoring opportunities. Their late-season surge and star players peaking at the right time make this a matchup Texas cannot overlook.