Last season the Clemson receivers were as solid as any in the country. Nuk Hopkins blew up but the rest were dependable. At tight end, Brandon Ford did a good job of replacing Dewayne Allen. The question this year is can these 2 be replaced. The depth alone at receiver should help replace Hopkins but at tight end inexperience is an issue.
Wide Receivers-Sammy Watkins and Adam Humphries have solidified themselves into starting roles. Even though Sammy didn't match his stats from his freshman campaign he still had a good year with over 900 yards in what was really a season where he played in 4 less games than the year before. If you count the Chic-Fil-A Bowl, he really played in 5 less games. Watkins should return to his old form. He appears to be built better and is focused on improving. Humphries will be a dependable target for Boyd. Humphries should fill the void left by Jaron Brown. The guy to get the Tigers just enough yards on 3rd down. The 3rd WR is still competitive which Martavis Bryant and Charone Peake are battling for. Bryant has had a good preseason and has separated himself. He has unreal potential and should be a big time playmaker this season. Peake hasn't seen the field as much as he would like but is ready to make more of an impact. Don't expect crazy numbers from him but he should be a solid receiving target for Boyd. Germone Hopper and Mike Williams should see a good bit of playing time as well. Hopper redshirted last season and will do everything he can to get on the field. His versatility alone should allow for him to get a good bit of playing time as he can run the ball too. Williams has impressed as a freshman. He has been making all kinds of plays and appears to have a spot in the receiver rotation. Another freshman, TJ Green, is another guy that could contribute but has not had a chance to prove much due to injury. Green is a very good talent and could be a superstar receiver with his speed and quickness. If not for injury issues, he would be able to receive playing time but may be looking at a redshirt year. Also, Daniel Rodriguez should get some valuable opportunities this season.
Tight End-Sam Cooper was set to be the top tight end but an ACL injury in the spring should keep him out for the year. That leaves Jordan Leggett, Darrell Smith, Stanton Seckinger, and Jay Jay McCullough to battle for the number one tight end role. Leggett appears to have a leg up on the starting position but a knee injury will keep him out for 3-4 weeks. He has improved his strength, and his size and speed make him difficult to defend. His blocking ability is the only thing still lacking. Darrell Smith will likely start tight end versus Georgia. He played mostly as a fullback last year and will do so again this season but will also play tight end. Smith is the best blocker of the bunch but still has to prove himself as a pass catcher. Seckinger looked to be poised to be the starter in the spring but the former receiver just hasn't developed the strength to be starter. McCullough has the physical tools to be a great tight end but has yet to catch on.
Starting Receivers: Sammy Watkins, Adam Humphries, and Martavis Bryant
Backup Receivers: Charone Peake, Germone Hopper, Mike Williams
Starting Tight End: Jordan Leggett/Darrell Smith
Backup Tight End: Stanton Seckinger/Jay Jay McCoullough
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