On Saturday, Clemson hosted its annual spring game, seeing Team Orange defeat Team White by a score of 27-12 while showcasing the Tigers’ freshmen class. Here are the freshmen Tigers that stood out during the game:
Sammy Brown, Linebacker, freshman:
Brown immediately impacted the game, as he got a sack on the white team’s first defensive play. He did not stop there, and ended up tying Wade Woodaz for the lead in tackles on the day with eight.
Brown’s day consisted of six solo tackles and two assisted, proving why he was a five-star recruit out of high school. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney spoke about Brown’s athletic ability.
“I mean, he’s got the speed, the talent to really play wherever, but we’re just trying to really build a good foundation for him,” Swinney said.
Nolan Hauser, Place Kicker, freshman:
Clemson’s kicking struggles were widely criticized last season, allowing Hauser to impact Saturday’s spring game instantly. Hauser scored the game’s first points with a 29-yard field goal for Team White.
Hauser was perfect in the game, making both his attempted field goals. The second kick came from 48 yards, showing the strength of Hauser’s leg. Swinney spoke about the kicking battle that occurred over spring practice between Hauser and Robert Gunn III and the effects of the spring game on the battle.
“To be continued,” Swinney said. “Best thing I can say, we don’t play until Aug. 31, so you know, we got a long way to go and those guys are going to continue to compete, you know, we’ll see how it all shakes out.”
Tavoy Feagin, Cornerback, freshman:
Feagin impressed in Saturday’s game with an interception in the first quarter that was returned for 44 yards. The interception was made on a throw from Clemson’s starting quarterback, Cade Klubnik.
On top of the early interception, Feagin executed well in coverage with two pass breakups, leading the game in addition to two solo tackles on the day. Feagin entered Clemson as a four-star prospect and demonstrated his athleticism in Death Valley.
Bryant Wesco Jr., Wide Receiver, freshman:
Wesco Jr. made an early impact on the game for Team Orange as he caught the first touchdown late in the first quarter off a nine-yard pass from quarterback Trent Pearman.
Wesco had five targets on the game, catching three for 26 yards. He was the only player to have a receiving touchdown for either team, showing the impact he could have on the Tigers’ upcoming season.
“Naturally, he does stuff, you know, from a technique standpoint, he does it naturally,” said Swinney. “So that’s the thing I’m most excited about. He’s a very committed kid.”
Clemson’s next matchup will be a battle between the Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs in Atlanta on Saturday, Aug. 31.
