Tag: Adam Randall

Dabo Swinney shares injury updates on multiple Clemson wide receivers

Swinney updates the status of two wide receivers.

Clemson football’s offense showcased its power in a 29-13 victory over Florida State, marking the third time the Tigers have racked up 500 yards of offense this season. Despite not reaching the 40-point mark, they found plenty of positives to build on. Head Coach Dabo Swinney praised freshman kicker Nolan Hauser, who stepped up to make five field goals. However, the downside was Clemson’s struggle to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns, as they settled for field goals on five drives that reached inside the 20-yard line.

Running back Phil Mafah put on an impressive performance, tallying a season-high 154 rushing yards. Quarterback Cade Klubnik continued his recent run of strong outings, completing 74 of 114 passes for 1,077 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only one interception over the last four games. Now, Clemson prepares for an upcoming game at Wake Forest, a team the Tigers haven’t lost to since 2008.

In injury updates, Swinney shared the latest on wide receivers Tyler Brown and Adam Randall, who are working their way back onto the field. Brown suffered a high ankle sprain early in Clemson’s win over Appalachian State on Sept. 7, keeping him out of the following game against NC State and limiting his play in the wins over Stanford and Florida State. Swinney noted Brown’s potential, emphasizing his impact once he’s fully recovered. “You mention Tyler Brown, he is AWOL, right? Nobody even asks me about Tyler Brown,” Swinney said half-jokingly. “But y’all will eventually if we can ever get him healthy. He is going to be a great player, but everything kind of went good for him last year, and he has been battling to get back. Hopefully, he can truly have a full week of practice this week and take another step forward.”

As for Randall, he’s been sidelined for Clemson’s last two games after a stress fracture in his toe required a screw implant. Randall made the trip to Tallahassee and even participated in warmups, eager to contribute. Swinney was cautious, though, saying, “We got Adam back, which is amazing. He was ready to go last week. I was really nervous about it, but he was adamant to play. I am glad we did not need him.”

Clemson is set to take on Wake Forest this Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for noon on ESPN in Winston-Salem, N.C., as the Tigers look to extend their winning streak against the Demon Deacons.

Cade Klubnik shares the development he’s seen from wide receiver Adam Randall

Klubnik and Randall have a strong connection.

Adam Randall’s journey at Clemson has been challenging, with injuries like a torn ACL in his freshman year stalling his progress. Now, as he enters his junior season, Randall is finally fully healthy, and it’s making a noticeable difference in his play.

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik sees a change in Randall’s approach. “He’s playing super-free with a nothing-to-lose mindset,” Klubnik said, adding that Randall’s love for the game is evident every time he steps on the field. “He’s constantly reminding himself how much he loves football. It’s inspiring.”

Randall has played in 25 games over his first two seasons, recording 32 catches for 378 yards, though he’s still waiting for his first collegiate touchdown. Now, as one of the more experienced players in a young receiver room, Randall is taking on a leadership role, guiding his teammates with his renewed energy and passion for the game.

“When you face a major injury, it makes you grateful for every moment on the field,” Klubnik explained. “He’s leading by example and doing it really well.”

It would be excellent to see this connection translate on the field in 2024.

Observations from Clemson’s offense in 2024 spring game

Here are some observations on the offense from Clemson’s 2024 spring game.

Clemson’s 2024 spring game is officially in the books. The Orange team defeated the White team, 27-12, in Saturday’s game at Memorial Stadium.

The Tigers had plenty of highlights on both offense and defense. Let’s look at the offense.

Wesco shows off

Bryant Wesco looked every bit the part of a five-star recruit in Saturday’s spring game. Wesco, ranked the sixth-best receiver in the nation by 247Sports for the class of 2024, made three catches for 26 yards.

Wesco, playing for the Orange team, caught a short pass over the middle and picked up 15 yards for a first down on his first catch of the afternoon.

Two plays later, Wesco did one even better by hauling in an over-the-shoulder, 9-yard touchdown grab from quarterback Trent Pearman. Wesco made the catch in tight coverage on a fade route for the Orange team’s first score of the game and a 7-3 lead with 1:31 to play in the first quarter.

Quarterback play

Speaking of Pearman, he was his own storyline in Saturday’s spring game. The sophomore from nearby D.W. Daniel High School in Clemson finished the afternoon an impressive 10-for-13 with 113 yards and a touchdown through the air.

Pearman engineered the scoring drive that ended with Wesco’s touchdown catch by capping a five-play, 57-yard drive.

One of the most impressive plays of the day was when Pearman took off for a 49-yard touchdown run on a read-option play with 3:45 to play in the first half.

Later in the game, Pearman made a nice throw intended for receiver Jackson Crosby in the corner of the end zone. It took a terrific defensive play from cornerback Noah Dixon to break up the pass with 3:07 to play.

Cade Klubnik got off to a poor start but rebounded for a decent showing at Saturday’s game. Klubnik finished his day 13-of-26 for 158 yards.

He was intercepted by cornerback Tavoy Feagin in the first quarter when receiver Adam Randall ran the wrong route. Feagin returned the interception 45 yards to set up the game’s first score, a 29-yard Nolan Hauser field goal for the White team.

Klubnik was fortunate to only throw the one pick. He uncorked a pass into double coverage later in the first quarter, but a dropped interception bailed Klubnik out on the ill-advised throw.

There were some highlights for Klubnik, though. He converted on a 3rd-and-12 midway through the second quarter when he found Antonio Williams on a short route to his right. That led to an impressive 15-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that took 7:10 off the clock and put Klubnik’s team ahead 21-6 with 5:42 left in the first half.

On Klubnik’s next drive, tight end Olsen Patt-Henry dropped what would have been a first down for the Orange team.

Later on in the game, Randall hauled in a perfect 55-yard strike from Klubnik on the final play of the third quarter.

Christopher Vizzina, who started at quarterback for the White team, was a pedestrian 14-of-25 for 108 yards and two touchdowns. His biggest mistake early on came when Jamal Anderson intercepted an attempted screen pass and returned it 25 yards for a pick six.

Later in the first half, Vizzina was picked off again by Anderson, but the play was negated by an offsides penalty.

Vizzina’s second official interception came with time winding down in the third quarter. On that play, Vizzina made a throw to the wrong side of a wheel route that led to an interception from Jahiem Lawson at the Orange team’s 2-yard line.

It wasn’t just Wesco who stood out at receiver

Clemson had a few standout performances from its receivers in Saturday’s scrimmage. Josh Sapp had three catches for 60 yards. The sophomore from Greenville made a sensational play when he leapt well into the air to haul in a 39-yard pass from Vizzina over two defenders in the third quarter.

Randall had 85 receiving yards through the air on four catches, including his 55-yard grab to end the third quarter. Randall also made a terrific catch as part of the first-quarter scoring drive that ended with Wesco’s touchdown.

Williams, sidelined for much of last season due to injuries, made a nice return to the field in the spring game. He caught five of seven targets for 62 yards, including a 19-yard reception.

Dabo Swinney shares an injury update on wide receiver Adam Randall

Dabo Swinney met with the media Saturday and shared an injury update on wide receiver Adam Randall.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson football program have been excited about wide receiver Adam Randall for some time, but health concerns have been a big part of his story since joining the team.

Randall was spotted in a yellow jersey during Monday’s spring practice, meaning no contact for the wide receiver. Swinney stated that the injury is nothing serious and used his classic day-to-day tag.

“Man, he had three or four really, really good days. Really pleased with him,” Swinney said. “He kind of picked up where he left off. He finished the season with a lot of confidence, and he’s carried that into the offseason, and then off to a really good start with spring ball. Just on a go ball the other day, just a little tweak in his quad. Nothing serious. So, just trying to be smart with him so it doesn’t linger or lead into anything else.”

During his career with the Tigers, Randall has 32 catches for 378 yards over 25 games (six starts). Randall has a lot of upside and a strong connection with starting quarterback Cade Klubnik, it’s all about remaining healthy at this point.

Clemson makes significant changes to depth chart for Gator Bowl

Clemson will have several new starters when it plays Kentucky in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 29.

Clemson released its unofficial depth chart on Friday ahead of the Gator Bowl, and there are significant changes compared to when the Tigers last played a game.

One of the most noteworthy changes to the depth chart is in the secondary. With Andrew Mukuba transferring to Texas,  R.J. Mickens and Jalyn Phillips are now listed as the starting strong safety and free safety spots, respectively. As for the starting cornerbacks, Clemson will roll out with two true freshmen starting on the outside, with Avieon Terrell and Shelton Lewis getting the nod.

There are also significant changes to the front seven, as Kobe McCloud and Wade Woodaz are listed as potential starters at middle linebacker in light of Jeremiah Trotter Jr. declaring for the NFL draft earlier this month.

Offensively, Troy Stellato and Adam Randall are listed as the starting wide receivers on the perimeter with Beaux Collins’ departure to Notre Dame.

Clemson will play Kentucky in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 29 at noon.

Here is the Tigers’ full depth chart:

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

Clemson takes down No.20 North Carolina for another statement win

Clemson continues their hot run as they take down North Carolina in Death Valley.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson football program picked up another big win as the Tigers took down No.20 North Carolina 31-20 in front of their home fans in Clemson Memorial Stadium.

Clemson takes down their second-ranked team in three weeks, proving to be the better team than UNC on Saturday. It wasn’t a perfect win for the Tigers, but they rarely are against competition of this level.

The Tigers’ defense got thrashed on the ground, allowing 248 rushing yards, with Tar Heels star running back Omarion Hampton running for 178 yards and two touchdowns. UNC star quarterback Drake Maye added 67 yards of his own.

Even if they got beat on the ground, the Clemson defense had a sneaky solid performance that the stats won’t necessarily show. The Tar Heels offense is one of the most explosive in the country, scoring 40+ points in 6 of their last 7 games before this. Clemson’s defense had a classic bend-don’t-break performance, allowing 21 points.

Nate Wiggins put together an unreal performance, making an absurd play to keep UNC from scoring a touchdown and making a game-sealing interception.

On offense, Clemson did something similar to UNC and ran all over their opposing defense. Another ridiculous rushing total, 240 yards for the Tigers on the ground. They were led by Will Shipley, who took 18 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown. He added two catches for 53 yards.

Clemson starting quarterback Cade Klubnik continues to improve, looking more and more comfortable under center. He completed 21-32 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown, looking confident in the pocket. Klubnik was also dangerous with his feet, running for 44 yards and a touchdown.

This Clemson team has looked great as the season winds down.

Clemson wide receiver playing with a broken hand

Clemson wide receiver Adam Randall has been playing with a broken hand.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney met with the media following the Tigers’ 42-21 win over Georgia Tech, revealing wide receiver Adam Randall has playing through a serious injury. 

Swinney says the sophomore wide receiver has been playing with a broken hand. He has been wearing a club on the hand during the week.

“Adam is trending in a good direction. He’s playing with a broken hand, but he’s playing,” Swinney said. “He broke his hand last year, the right hand, and now he broke his left hand. Same bone, same hand. But he’s able to play. It’s not surgical. He’s regaining his confidence.”

Randall has been toughing it out and playing through the injury, recording a 6-yard reception against the Yellow Jackets. He has 14 catches for 142 yards in ten games this season.

Riley says this Clemson wide receiver needs an opportunity to play more and sees a big bye week ahead for him

Riley needs to give this Clemson wide receiver more opportunities heading into the Tigers’ Week 7 bye.

What has seemed to become a yearly thing for the Clemson football program is the need for help at wide receiver.

Not too long ago, Clemson was a wide receiver factory producing some unreal talent at the position that would flourish in the collegiate game before departing for the NFL, with some being stars at the next level. Of recent, the Tigers are continually looking for a piece to make a difference at the position.

This season, freshman wide receiver Tyler Brown has been excellent for Clemson and starting quarterback Cade Klubnik. The issue is more is needed. Last season’s breakout, Antonio Williams has been injured, and while Beaux Collins has been good, the Tigers still have clear needs at the position.

Clemson offensive coordinator Garrett Riley met with the media on Monday and spoke about a sophomore wide receiver who needs more opportunities and playing time. That wide receiver is Adam Randall, who was reported to have great chemistry with Klubnik last season before an ACL tear derailed his season before it started.

“Should’ve gotten him in more than what we did the other day (vs. Wake Forest),” Riley said. “Again, just kind of a little unrhythmic offensively just as far as our flow of the game. But he’s certainly a guy that needs to play more and get an opportunity to play more.”

“Going to be a big week for all of us, but certainly for him to continue to improve and just be ready, be ready for Miami,” Riley said. “So, looking forward to that this week with all of our guys, but definitely with Adam.”

Last season, before his injury, Randall was generating serious buzz. Through six games this season, he has only recorded seven catches for 78 yards, but Riley acknowledging he needs more opportunities is definitively a plus.
Randall is one to keep an eye on after the bye week as the Tigers head to No.25 Miami in Week 8.

Riley speaks on Randall’s playing time and inconsistency

Adam Randall has not caught a pass in the Tigers’ last two games.

Coming into the 2023 season, Clemson’s coaching staff was raving about the wide receiver room and had high hopes for sophomore Adam Randall. But nearly halfway through this season, Randall hasn’t quite lived up to those expectations.

Through six games this year, Randall has seven receptions for 78 yards. Over the last two games, he has not caught a single pass. And in the Tigers’ game against Wake Forest this past Saturday, Randall did not run out with the first-team offense, as Beaux Collins and Troy Stellato were the two primary pass-catchers on the perimeter.

Speaking to the media on Monday, offensive coordinator Garrett Riley discussed Randall and his snap counts.

“Should have gotten him in more than what we did the other day,” Riley said. “Again, just kind of a little unrhythmic offensively, just as far as our flow of the game. But you know, he’s certainly a guy that needs to play more and get opportunity to play more. It’s gonna be a big week for all of us, but certainly certainly for him to continue to improve and just be ready for Miami.”

Riley’s comments come one week after head coach Dabo Swinney was a bit critical of Randall’s consistency as a playmaker.

“Inconsistent. Kind of inconsistent, that would be my biggest thing right now,” Swinney said of Randall last Sunday. “He has not had quite as much opportunity, so some of it is not his fault, but just a little inconsistent. We just got to get him to cut it loose. This kid is a great talent and a great player. We just need a little bit more consistency from him in a couple of areas.”

Standing at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Randall is among the tallest and biggest wide receivers on Clemson’s roster. But Swinney wants to see the former four-star recruit take better advantage of his frame and have more energy.

“Just inconsistent with having his motor running all the time,” Swinney added. “I think that is the biggest thing with him. When his motor is running, he is a handful.”

As a true freshman in 2022, Randall finished with seven receptions for 84 yards. He tore his ACL in the spring of 2022 but played in 12 of the Tigers’ 14 games last season.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

Dabo Swinney is ready for this Clemson wide receiver to ‘cut it loose’

Dabo Swinney is ready for this Clemson wide receiver to find some consistency and ‘cut it loose’ this season.

Heading into his freshman season, Adam Randall was a wide receiver everyone was excited about. 

Randall is a tremendous talent who was expected to be an impact player right out of the gate for the Tigers’ offense. However, an ACL injury last spring slowed things down for the young wide receiver. While he was still able to participate in 12 games as a freshman, his impact was limited due to the injury. 

Now healthy, Randall has flashed signs of greatness but still has a long way to go. During his Sunday evening call, Swinney was asked about Randall and an evaluation of his progress.

“Inconsistent. Kind of inconsistent, that would be my biggest thing right now,” Swinney said about his young wideout. “He has not had quite as much opportunity, so some of it is not his fault, but just a little inconsistent. We just got to get him to cut it loose. This kid is a great talent and a great player. We just need a little bit more consistency from him in a couple of areas.”

Randall hasn’t seen much work this season, but more could come down the line. Randall has 13 targets, 7 catches, and 78 yards through five games. He has the talent to be a playmaker for this offense, but Swinney believes consistency is the key to that happening. 

“Just inconsistent with having his motor running all the time,” Swinney said. “I think that is the biggest thing with him. When his motor is running, he is a handful. As you saw with the first PI, he ran right by the guy, and sometimes he will (slow down) a little bit, and we just have to get him to consistently cut it loose. When he does, he is a problem.”

Last offseason, there was a lot of hype around Randall and the chemistry he was building with now-starting quarterback Cade Klubnik. If we see that connection work on the field, the Tigers will have another potent weapon at their disposal.