Clemson Tigers: True Freshmen To Watch in 2020

Every February (and now December) college football teams sign a new class of football players to join their program. It’s exciting to dream about what a prospect can become in the future but come September, some of those freshman will redshirt and wait for their opportunity to shine, while a few will be given the chance to make an immediate impact this season. In this series we will take a team by team look at the true freshman who could be given the opportunity to make a name for themselves in 2020. Today we will look at a few of the Clemson Tigers true freshmen to watch in 2020.

Bryan Bresee – DL

The Tigers have good defensive linemen returning and depth along the defensive line as well. Xavier Thomas (#17 DE) and Tyler Davis (#3 DT) are excellent players up front and will lead the way in 2020. At defensive end, Justin Foster and KJ Henry had success last year and should both get a lot of playing time this year. At tackle, Nyles Pinckney and Jordan Williams were good player in 2019 and will get plenty of reps next to Davis up front. There is not much of an opening on the defensive line at Clemson this year. Most players would not be able to crack the rotation as true freshmen, but Bresee is not most players and will be difficult to keep off the field. He has the talent and motor to be an instant impact player who will take playing time from proven veterans because he is that good.

Brian Bresee recorded 30.5 TFL as a senior for Damacus High School in Maryland. He has the size, frame and strength to play on the defensive interior combined with the speed and burst of an edge player. Bresee is truly a one of a kind talent. He has excellent quickness off the ball and violent hands that allow him to attack blockers in various ways. He has the strength to anchor against the run and the quickness to slide down the line and make plays against the run. He disengages blockers well and reacts well to the football. Bresee’s ability to play multiple spots on the defensive line at a high level will get him on the field as a true freshman, even in a crowded defensive line room. We expect Bresee to flourish once he is on the field and believe he will be an impactful player in 2020.

EJ Williams – WR

Clemson lost Tee Higgins to the NFL Draft and then lost Justyn Ross to injury. Both of the starting outside receivers from last year, who accounted for over 2,000 receiving yards and 21 TD, will not be available in 2020. Amari Rodgers is back but he primarily plays the slot for the Tigers. We have already highlighted Joseph Ngata as a breakthrough player and expect he will start as one of the outside receivers. Frank Ladson Jr is a good bet to start opposite Ngata. Both Ngata and Ladson are young but have shown flashes of ability in 2019. Beyond them the depth on the outside is unproven, Brannon Spector redshirted last year and may be in the competion as well but Williams has a good chance to be in the two deep as an outside receiver.

EJ Williams had 739 receiving yards and 11 TD for Central High School in Alabama. He is a tall receiver with good downfield speed, he fits the mold of recent Clemson outside receivers. Williams plays with good strength and uses his length well in contested situations. He has good body control and catches the ball well, even when it is not thrown accurately, making it easier for his quarterback to get completions. Williams needs to get better as an overall route runner but is ready to be a deep threat right away. Williams will be in the receiver rotation for the Tigers and should make plays in that role. With his catch radius and big play ability expect his playing time to increase as the season moves forward.

Fred Davis II – CB

Clemson’s secondary is replacing a lot in 2020. Cornerback AJ Terrell was drafted in the 1st round and leaves a major vacancy. Safeties K’Von Wallace and Tanner Muse are also gone, leaving the Tigers needing to replace 3/4 of their starting secondary. There are good players available to fill in at corner opposite presumed starter Derion Kendrick, including Mario Goodrich, Andrew Booth and Sheridan Jones. While all three players are talented none of the three has seen significant playing time for Clemson. Davis will be competing for time at cornerback, he may not be the starter this year but he will provide good depth and could play in nickel and dime coverage packages.

Fred Davis II had 11 PBU his senior year at Trinity Christian Academy in Florida. Davis has good height and length at the cornerback position. He is a very fluid athlete and moves better in man coverage than most big corners. Davis has good speed and can turn and run with receivers downfield. He has good ball skills and leaping ability giving him the ability to win 50/50 balls against bigger receivers. He is a willing tackler and does a good job in run support as well. Davis is a prototype of what the modern corner should look like physically. He will be able to step in and contribute in many ways immediately. Davis will flash this year and should see his playing time increase moving forward.

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2011 Clemson Flags Image by Mike Burton is licensed under CC By-ND 2.0.