Although Saturday’s border war may have ended in some heavy hearts here in Tiger Town, the future is bright thanks to the freshman class of 2021. Losing valuable players, such as Travis Etienne, wide receivers Cornell Powell and Amari Rodgers and of course, Trevor Lawrence, left many wondering if Clemson would lose its powerhouse ranking in the world of college football. This is definitely not the case thanks to the hand-picked, elite athletes who have spent their summer training under Head Coach Dabo Swinney and Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables. Get to know some of your fellow Tigers below and the potential they have in the next four years.
Will Shipley, five-star RB
Shipley, of Weddington, North Carolina, may be the most recognizable freshman name — and for good reason. On Saturday, he contributed seven out of Clemson’s total 180 yards averaging about two yards per carry, proving his exceptional skill in both pass-catching and his ability to make break-away plays. Tigers, expect to see a lot more of the name Shipley in the headlines for the next few years.
Barrett Carter, five-star LB
Carter, of Suwanee, Georgia, offers a unique combination of talents thanks to his 6-foot-1, 226-pound frame. Although he did not see any playing time against the Bulldogs, his legacy from high school serves as more than enough evidence that he will be a valuable member of Clemson’s defensive team with his 162 recorded tackles and an impressive 18 sacks.
Tristan Leigh, 5 five-star OT
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, offensive tackle Tristan Leigh has shown that he not only has the skill to properly engage an opposing defense but the mental flexibility to change and improve his tactics. Leigh has drawn immense praise from coaches after his time at camp and is only expected to improve, emphasizing his 5-star rating.
Dacari Collins, four-star WR
An average wide receiver stands at around 6-foot-1. Dacari Collins is 6-foot-5. Do not mistake his length for awkwardness, however; he knows how to use his frame. His height enables him to take on secondaries with ease, often landing him in the end zone ready to catch any rockets. An accumulated total of 2000 receiving yards in his four years of high school is sure to translate into success in a college environment.
Phil Mafah, four-star RB
Mafah enters Death Valley as the thirteenth-ranked running back in the nation after touting an impressive 41 career touchdowns and an average of almost 90 rushing yards per game. Mafah was the first recruit of the 2021 class, proving he has the talent to excel here at Clemson. He is sure to positively impact on the team, with Coach Swinney on the record calling him a “natural.”
Cade Denhoff, four-star DL
Denhoff is sure to be a valuable asset to the Tigers defensive unit. Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables has cited his enthusiasm for the depth of the defense. Furthermore, Venables emphasized how well the line works together, whether experienced or with rookies like Denhoff. Totaling 286 tackles in high school and seven caused fumbles, it is easy to see how Denhoff will make his mark on college turf.
