0:20 Struggling to find a deep threat in 2015 without Mike Williams
1:42 Boundary Receiver / Deep Threats
2:20 Field Receiver / Giving Artavis Scott some relief
4:12 Slot Receiver / Hunter Renfrow the story of 2015 Clemson receivers
When Clemson lost Mike Williams to a neck injury last season they struggled to find a deep threat. Eventually, Deon Cain emerged and quickly found an important role on the team - a role that was left absent for the National Championship game. With Mike Williams returning from injury and Deon Cain now established (and hopefully more mature) the Tigers have reason to feel good about their boundary receivers.
With Mike Williams going down and Deon Cain only a true freshman, Artavis Scott had to carry a heavy workload in 2015. He led the entire conference with 93 receptions despite injuring his knee (he had it repaired after the ACC Championship). He plays with great toughness so getting healthy and not being overly relied upon will help him be even more effective. Ray Ray McCloud is behind him on the depth chart and looks to contribute more after fumbles and injuries limited his contribution level a year ago.
Hunter Renfrow was the breakout star from Clemson’s offense that nobody saw coming. Dabo Swinney gave him praise during Fall Camp a season ago, but everybody blew it off. He turned out to be a major contributor hauling in two touchdowns in the National Championship game. He had various other big catches and pass interference calls throughout the season. The long TD against Louisville was maybe the most memorable. Behind him Trevion Thompson is poised to begin playing a bigger role in the offense.
Overall, Clemson appears to have a "deep and talented bunch" at WR and should be in better shape than a year ago now that Deon Cain and Hunter Renfrow have emerged and Mike Williams has returned.