‘Wide Receiver U’ set to debut in Atlanta

CLEMSON — Clemson’s receivers have confidence this season, and they even have the jerseys to prove it.

After battling injuries in 2023, the receiving core is healthy and already adopting the “Wide Receiver University” jerseys distributed by Adam Randall in the spring.

Randall said the receivers’ confidence is built on their ability and work ethic. He brought back the jerseys, which bore Clemson’s famous nickname for nearly a decade, to restore pride in the unit.

“I really think we’re going to be one of the best receivers in the country if we play the way we’re supposed to,” he said. “I want guys to know and feel that Clemson is still a place that produces very talented receivers and that’s what we’re going to show this year.”

Clemson’s Wide Receiver U features veteran receivers like Randall and Antonio Williams, but also welcomes acclaimed freshmen like Bryant Wesco and TJ Moore. Sophomore safety Khalil Barnes was asked what impact those freshmen have had on training this offseason.

“They’re both just competitors,” he said. “Clemson recruits really good players off the field, but on the field, they have to change sides. They turn around and they’re in dog mode… They’re going to be fun to watch this season.”

Barnes said he competes every day in practice against Tyler Brown, last year’s star. Their common motivation is to push each other every day.

“As soon as we walk into the locker room we hug each other, but before practice we tell each other to give it our all so when we get on the field Saturday there’s nothing I haven’t faced before and shouldn’t be ready for,” Barnes said. “I feel like I’ve got the best look for him every day of the week and it’s been that way since we got here.”

Brown took on a significant role in 2023 after injuries sidelined five receivers throughout the season. The then-true freshman led the team in receptions and totaled 531 yards of offense.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik shared this with Brown and his other receivers: “You just put it in their direction and you know they’re going to catch it.”

Klubnik, Randall and the rest of the offense have their first opportunity to make their 2024 WRU debuts this Saturday (noon, ABC) when the Tigers travel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face the No. 1-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in the Aflac Kickoff Classic.