Clemson 2023 Preview: Garrett Riley's system will 'accentuate individual talent'
Dabo Swinney has faced a lot of criticism over the years for how Clemson hired coordinators. A few moves have been made internally and have not always worked out. A different direction was taken this offseason, with Swinney reeling in Garrett Riley from TCU, one of the more sought-after young coaches in all of college football.
ACC Network’s Roddy Jones to On3’s Andy Staples that Riley was a hire Swinney “couldn’t pass up.” With the way the Clemson offense is currently constructed, he is an incredible fit. The Tigers currently do not have a true star but a ton of individual talent.
“Garrett Riley was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up,” Jones said during Tuesday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “He has gone and gotten those guys. Garrett Riley is going to bring in a system that’s really going to accentuate individual talent. So, I give Dabo Swinney a lot of credit. Going out, making it happen, and paying enough where Garrett Riley was going to be leaving TCU.”
Looking back at TCU last season during a College Football Playoff year, the Horned Frogs really only had one certified dude at wide receiver. Everyone else contributed well but Jones credits the system Riley was running his Fort Worth.
“TCU had one really star receiver last year,” Jones said. “It was Quentin Johnston. The other guys were really good college receivers but were elevated by that system with Garrett Riley putting them in the best position. I think he’s going to be able to do that with this Clemson offense.”
Johnston led TCU in receptions, yards, and touchdowns throughout the 15-game season. He notched 1,000 yards and hauled in six touchdowns on 60 catches. Nobody else on the roster was relatively close to matching Johnston’s reception and yard total.
Garrett Riley looking to turn Clemson wide receivers into stars
When Jones evaluates the roster, he does not currently see a star receiver. Those involved with Clemson will want to say Beaux Collins could be the guy to step up. Jones showed his skepticism, saying he may not be able to play up to the level of other greats from the program.
“Clemson fans and Clemson coaches will consistently tell you about Beaux Collins,” Jones said. “Beaux Collins is a guy we’ve seen. I’m a little more skeptical that he becomes one of those guys that you just mentioned. A Mike Williams, a Tee Higgins. But they do have some candidates.”
From a purely physical standpoint, Jones said to look out for Adam Randall. The traits could wind up just too good for Riley to not get Randall involved.
But more than anyone on the roster, Antonio Williams is who Jones is watching for to breakout. He believes Williams could wind up being the best wide receiver on the Clemson roster — right now and down the road when the NFL comes calling.
“A big, physical receiver,” Jones said. “He’s 6’4, 230-type guy who has apparently looked fantastic. I think Garrett Riley is going to find ways to get that dude the ball. Antonio Williams was fantastic last year from the slot. He may end up being their best receiver both from a pro standpoint and from a college standpoint because of his explosiveness, his reliability.”