Randall, Stellato tagged among college football players nationally "with the most to prove"

CBS Sports says Troy Stellato is one to watch in camp this month.

by TigerNet Staff - Aug 5, 2024, 9:50 AM

CBS Sports assembled the college football players who have the most to prove in fall camp this month, and there's certainly a spot Clemson fans have their eyes on going into the opener with Georgia.

The Tigers built a 'WRU' brand on the strength of NFL first-round picks such as DeAndre Hopkins, Sammy Watkins and Mike Williams, among more receiver standouts, but that moniker has taken a hit during Clemson's Playoff drought since 2020.

CBS' Chris Hummer says this is a big camp for Troy Stellato and Adam Randall to restore some hype.

"Clemson struggled to stretch the field last year, ranking No. 128 nationally in average air yards per throw," Hummer said. "Part of that is on QB Cade Klubnik. Part of it is on the O-line. But many of the deficiencies in the pass game can be traced to less-than-stellar wide receiver play. That's why Stellato and Randall -- Clemson's lead outside receivers now that Beaux Collins transferred to Notre Dame -- are in the spotlight.

"The Tigers need those two to step up after sub-par 2023 efforts that saw Stellato (337 yards, 1 TD, 55.6 PFF grade) and Randall (250 yards, 58.6 PFF grade) fail to make a big impact. They'll need to step up this fall, too. Touted true freshmen TJ Moore (No. 21 overall) and Bryant Wesco (No. 57 overall) are on campus and will be pushing for immediate playing time. Randall and Stellato need to be better for Clemson's sake, and for their own, as they could easily be passed by first-year freshmen."

Of course, Clemson is also slated to get Antonio Williams back in the mix after an injury redshirt last year and a receiver-group-leading 56 catches for 604 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman.

Tyler Brown, who is also back, led Clemson as a freshman last year with 52 catches for 531 yards and four scores also.

The Tigers and Bulldogs kick off a noon ABC broadcast on August 31 in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.