Coach: Verdict out on young wide receivers

CLEMSON—After Justyn Ross entered Death Valley dazzling fans and impressing coaches with a 1,000-yard season and nine touchdowns as a true freshman, the 2019 crop of wide receivers will have some sizable shoes to fill.

Frank Ladson Jr., Joseph Ngata and Brannon Spector are “on pace” to help the Clemson Tigers offense in this upcoming season, according to co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Jeff Scott.

“Obviously, for both Frank and Joe (Ngata) being able to come in January I think was very beneficial for them to be able to learn,” Scott said. “But that's not always the case. You look back last year, and Justyn Ross came in, in the summer and was able to have a huge impact his freshman year. But it also did take him a couple weeks there to really get to where he can get out and be an every-day player.”

Scott said Ladson, Ngata, along with Spector, had a solid athletic “foundation” when they entered the Clemson football program, noting that elder players on the team had a big role in helping the freshmen get acclimated to the team.

“Probably the biggest thing that stood out, to be honest, the biggest thing that stood out was the way our older guys kind of took them under their wing,” Scott said. “As coaches, we're limited with the amount of time we can spend in the meeting room without guys in the spring. Especially the amount of time we can be with them on the field. It was really unique to see some of the older guys take the younger guys under their wing, especially this summer to have extra meetings.”

During fall practices, coaches will be able to determine whether young players are ready to play immediate or whether they need more work, Scott said.

“Obviously, they’ve got to go through fall camp,” he said. “Some of them feel like they've been here for a year, and we haven't even started August camp yet. That'll be a big part of it, kind of going through that. Sit here after a few weeks (and see) where they are, if they're ready to contribute right away or if they need more time.