Saturday, May 24, 2014

Clemson: The New Wide Receiver Univerisity

For as long as I can remember in my short life as a Clemson fan, there has never been a lack of talent at the wide receiver position. Even before I came onto the scene in 1992, Tiger fans were honored with players such as Dwight Clark (2-time Pro Bowler, 2-time Super Bowl Champ) Perry Tuttle, (caught game-winning TD in '81 National Championship against Nebraska.)  and Jerry Butler (1-time Pro Bowler), For Tiger fans, Butler is most known for "The Catch" in which he hauled in the game-winning TD from QB Steve Fuller with less than a minute remaining on the clock. Clemson silenced Williams-Brice Stadium that night and escaped with a thrilling 31-27 victory over the Gamecocks back in 1977. That play has gone down in Clemson football history and fans refer to it simply as "The Catch".




In my lifetime, I've seen quite a few solid receivers play in Death Valley as well. I grew up on players such as Derrick "The Noodle" Hamilton and Kevin Youngblood who played in the early 2000's. As well as guys such as Aaron Kelly, Chansi Stuckey, Airese Currie, and Jacoby Ford. And how could I forget Rod Gardner. Gardner is also another memorable Clemson receiver who reeled in what Tigers fans refer to as "The Catch 2". It also came against our arch-rival South Carolina in Death Valley in 2000. Down 14-13 with 19 seconds left in the game, QB Woody Dantzler rolled to his left then threw across the field to his right towards the Clemson sideline and connected with Rod Gardner just inside the 10. Gamecocks fans still argue that it was clearly a push-off and offensive pass interference. Tiger fans will disagree. As you can see the referee was right on top of the play but I'll let you decide that one, (start the video around the 2:23:30 mark) True Freshmen Aaron Hunt would the take the field with about 9 seconds left and kick a field goal as Clemson would survive a nail-bitter, 16-14. Fans rushed the field and took down the goal-post and it was an all night long party in Tigertown.

The string of success with Clemson wide-outs has only gotten better with time as evidenced through back to back years of having 1st round draft picks. In last year's draft, Deandre Hopkins skipped his senior season and was drafted 27th overall by Houston. Clemson fans hold this guy near and dear to our hearts. This hometown guy answered the call and had a coming out party his entire junior season that was capped off in a special way in the Chic-Fil-A bowl against LSU. Down 24-22, Boyd and Hopkins help lead a game-winning drive. Tiger fans know it as "4th and 16"...I saw it first hand and still get chills watching highlights. It was one of those memories I'll cherish and remember for the rest of my life. In this year's draft, Buffalo picked up Sammy Watkins with the 4th overall pick. Watkins also skipped his senior season after a great year that ended with a stellar performance against Ohio State in the Orange Bowl. Along with Watkins, another big play maker for the Tigers has been Martavis Bryant. Bryant was selected by the Steelers 118th overall in the 4th round and is expected to be a factor from day one. Bryant had a spotty career at Clemson. At times he was great (NC State and Ohio State 2014, for example) then at other times he made you want to punch a wall with dropped passes and bad route running. However, the guy is a great player and when he's healthy and focused, is one of the best. He has great speed and can "climb the ladder" for passes. Bryant is the full package and his size makes him a favorable target for quarterbacks and a nightmare match up for cornerbacks and defensive coordinators.

But guess what? The wealth doesn't stop there. The Tigers also have a guy by the name of Charone Peak. The 6'2 205 guy from Dorman High School (Spartanburg, SC) was compared to Watkins by some although they noted that he lacked the worth ethic and attitude. Peak missed last season due to an injury but will be ready to rock and roll when the Tigers take the field in August down in Athens against Georgia. With Hopkins, Watkins and Bryant now in the NFL, Peak will be called upon this season to step up and contribute. Peak along with Gerome Hopper, Mike Williams and Adam Humphries will be the leaders for this unit this season. Hopper also has big-play capability and has some serious speed. Humphries is a great leader and gives you 100%. Although you won't see him in the endzone much, he is a great team player and helps in other ways such as down field blocking and getting those tough yards on quick passes and can stretch our a defense from sideline to sideline. He reminds me of former Clemson and Pittsburgh Steeler Tyler Grisham. Not the biggest in size, but is scrappy, plays with heart and works hard every play.

Of course, a receiver is only as good as his quarterback. Clemson has been lucky to have a guy like Tajh Boyd under center the past three years and he will be missed greatly. However, I'm confident in both Cole Stoudt and freshmen sensation Deshaun Watson to hold their own and be able to get the ball to these talented players. Only time will tell, but make no mistake about it, Clemson is still loaded at the wide receiver position. And while I don't expect Clemson to have another first rounder WR in next year's draft, we'll be just fine from a talent standpoint.



***COMING UP NEXT***
Next week I will stay in college football mode and take a look at the Top 10 things I'm looking forward to this fall. As always, thanks for reading and I'll see ya next week! Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend! Cheers to all those that have served, are severing and will serve in the future. And most importantly, hats off to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the things we do. You are all appreciated. God Bless. 


8 comments:

  1. 8/10...all in all great article, but some silly typos & little fact mix-up stuff like Sammy skipping his "junior" year (senior) & Tajh being under center for "4" yrs (3).
    But we real Tiger fans know what you're saying & where you're coming from ;-)
    It rekindled some memories & invoked some emotions relived from being there for those games first hand as well.
    Good job! Keep up the good work!!! (But proofread ;-) lol)

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    1. Got those fixed, thanks! And thanks for checking it out! Go Tigers!

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    2. No prob! Like said, good job & keep up the good work! ;-)

      & oh yeah...SCREWYOUCOOTS!!! it's a Clemson Tigers fans blog...lost & still envious much lameclucks???! Lol, how pathetic....smh

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  2. lame
    We beat you 5 years in row and those receiver's couldn't do nothing

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    Replies
    1. Ha! Typical Gamecock fan response....and done anonymously, of course! But thanks for reading!

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    2. Heehee...coot still read it & they still lost those games along with all those $EC championship games...oh wait. As well as all those BCS bowls & power-house beater wins, & national championships...lol, silly coots.

      Come back & talk after you beat us 27 more times :-)

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    3. Hey coot, obviously you didn't even go to college using double negatives. You beat us 5 in a row? We have done that to you twice, and 7 in a row minus a tie one year. Know your history. It is like there was nothing before 2009 for you.

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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

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