The Clemson Tigers are halfway through the regular season and currently boast an undefeated record.
The Tigers could not have reached this point without stellar performance across all position groups, with several players having breakout starts to their 2022 campaigns.
Will Shipley, Running back
Starting with the run game, it comes as no surprise that the Tigers’ top rusher is sophomore running back Will Shipley. Shipley has 446 rushing yards to his name after Clemson’s victory over Boston College, averaging almost 6 yards per attempt.
Shipley also earned the accolade of being the first Clemson player since statistics were tracked in 1950 to rush for multiple touchdowns in each of the first three games of a season.
DJ Uiagalelei, Quarterback
Of course, both the running and passing games would be obsolete without a quarterback. Although he faced heavy criticism last season, Uiagalelei has shown the immense effort he put in over the offseason.
In the entirety of 2021, Uiagalelei completed 55.6% of his passes for 2,246 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Now playing his third season with the Tigers, he has 14 passing touchdowns and has completed 64.2% of his passes.
The former five-star recruit has also become a threat on the ground, as he has rushed for 311 yards and three touchdowns as well.
Beaux Collins, Wide receiver
Moving to the passing game, sophomore wide receiver Beaux Collins has been electric on the field. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound receiver has 18 receptions for 290 yards and a team-high five receiving touchdowns.
Collins’ reliability has further solidified his connection with quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, which dates back to their time in high school together.
Antonio Williams, Wide receiver
Not far behind Collins is Williams, who is in only in his first season with the team. The freshman has seen playing time in every game this season – which, considering the depth of the wide receiver room, speaks to his skill level.
He has led the team in receptions for four out of six games and has 22 receptions for 258 yards on the year.
Barrett Carter, Linebacker
Anywhere you look on the field during a play, Carter seems to be in the vicinity. The sophomore linebacker has 29 total tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles on the year and has emerged as one of the Tigers’ most athletic defenders.
Ruke Orhorhoro, Defensive tackle
Along with Carter, Orhorhoro has two sacks on the season. Playing more often in the absence of the injured Bryan Bresee and Tyler Davis, Orhorhoro has given the Tigers a consistent man in the middle of the defensive line.
Even with Bresee set to return on Saturday against Florida State, Orhorhoro will likely continue to dominate in his rotational role.
Davis Allen & Jake Briningstool, Tight ends
When the wide receivers aren’t catching passes, the Tigers’ tight ends have proven crucial in their versatility across plays. A tight end may be responsible for blocking a lineman one drive and, on the next, find themselves on the receiving end of passes downfield– and Allen and Briningstool have been responsible for both this season.
Allen has tallied 175 receiving yards in 2022, including two scores in the end zone.
Meanwhile, Briningstool has ascended in the depth chart and has been one of Uiagalelei’s favorite targets. The second-year tight end has 14 receptions, three of which were touchdowns, and 156 yards.
Andrew Mukuba, Safety
Mukuba earned a freshman All-American nomination and ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2021, thanks to his immediate impact on the field. This trend has continued into this season.
The sophomore is responsible for 17 total tackles and an interception that came on Clemson’s first defensive play from scrimmage to open the 2022 season against Georgia Tech.
With multiple injuries in the secondary, Mukuba has stepped in at cornerback as well and been one of the Tigers’ best players in the secondary through six games.
The Tigers could not have reached this point without stellar performance across all position groups, with several players having breakout starts to their 2022 campaigns.
Will Shipley, Running back
Starting with the run game, it comes as no surprise that the Tigers’ top rusher is sophomore running back Will Shipley. Shipley has 446 rushing yards to his name after Clemson’s victory over Boston College, averaging almost 6 yards per attempt.
Shipley also earned the accolade of being the first Clemson player since statistics were tracked in 1950 to rush for multiple touchdowns in each of the first three games of a season.
DJ Uiagalelei, Quarterback
Of course, both the running and passing games would be obsolete without a quarterback. Although he faced heavy criticism last season, Uiagalelei has shown the immense effort he put in over the offseason.
In the entirety of 2021, Uiagalelei completed 55.6% of his passes for 2,246 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Now playing his third season with the Tigers, he has 14 passing touchdowns and has completed 64.2% of his passes.
The former five-star recruit has also become a threat on the ground, as he has rushed for 311 yards and three touchdowns as well.
Beaux Collins, Wide receiver
Moving to the passing game, sophomore wide receiver Beaux Collins has been electric on the field. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound receiver has 18 receptions for 290 yards and a team-high five receiving touchdowns.
Collins’ reliability has further solidified his connection with quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, which dates back to their time in high school together.
Antonio Williams, Wide receiver
Not far behind Collins is Williams, who is in only in his first season with the team. The freshman has seen playing time in every game this season – which, considering the depth of the wide receiver room, speaks to his skill level.
He has led the team in receptions for four out of six games and has 22 receptions for 258 yards on the year.
Barrett Carter, Linebacker
Anywhere you look on the field during a play, Carter seems to be in the vicinity. The sophomore linebacker has 29 total tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles on the year and has emerged as one of the Tigers’ most athletic defenders.
Ruke Orhorhoro, Defensive tackle
Along with Carter, Orhorhoro has two sacks on the season. Playing more often in the absence of the injured Bryan Bresee and Tyler Davis, Orhorhoro has given the Tigers a consistent man in the middle of the defensive line.
Even with Bresee set to return on Saturday against Florida State, Orhorhoro will likely continue to dominate in his rotational role.
Davis Allen & Jake Briningstool, Tight ends
When the wide receivers aren’t catching passes, the Tigers’ tight ends have proven crucial in their versatility across plays. A tight end may be responsible for blocking a lineman one drive and, on the next, find themselves on the receiving end of passes downfield– and Allen and Briningstool have been responsible for both this season.
Allen has tallied 175 receiving yards in 2022, including two scores in the end zone.
Meanwhile, Briningstool has ascended in the depth chart and has been one of Uiagalelei’s favorite targets. The second-year tight end has 14 receptions, three of which were touchdowns, and 156 yards.
Andrew Mukuba, Safety
Mukuba earned a freshman All-American nomination and ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2021, thanks to his immediate impact on the field. This trend has continued into this season.
The sophomore is responsible for 17 total tackles and an interception that came on Clemson’s first defensive play from scrimmage to open the 2022 season against Georgia Tech.
With multiple injuries in the secondary, Mukuba has stepped in at cornerback as well and been one of the Tigers’ best players in the secondary through six games.
