When Clemson lost to South Carolina for the first time since 2013 last November, there was a lot of blame going around from fans, some of it directed toward wide receiver Antonio Williams.
Down 31-30 against the Gamecocks, Clemson’s defense forced a three-and-out with under three minutes left in the fourth quarter, setting up the Tigers to have a game-winning drive. But Clemson’s offense never even took the field, as Williams fumbled on the punt return, sealing the loss for the Tigers. Had Clemson come back and won that game, it could have had a chance at returning to the College Football Playoff.
It was a costly mistake for Williams, who was wrapping up an impressive true-freshman season and caught the only passing touchdown for the Tigers in that game.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Williams spoke about how difficult that moment was for him.
“It’s definitely a chip on my shoulder,” Williams said of the South Carolina loss. “It was probably the lowest point I had in my freshman career. In a big game like that, that’s the last thing you want. You feel like you let down all of the older guys. So, I’m coming back just trying to make more plays for them and try to win, just do the most that I can.”
Williams added that his family and the coaching staff were very supportive of him after the fumble. He said that head coach Dabo Swinney told him that mistakes are going to happen in his career, but it’s important to realize that the future can be brighter.
In an effort to learn from his mistakes as a freshman and grow as a player, the Irmo, South Carolina, native is putting his best foot forward on and off the field this fall.
“I think as a freshman, I was kind of immature,” Williams said. “There was a lot on my plate trying to focus on football and school at the same time. So, I would show up late to class, and I would miss class just from being tired from trying to gain a starting position. And then having to have school, it was just a lot.
“This year, I’m trying to take a step back but still focus on school, for sure, because that’s the main priority. Just doing both at a high level.”
Playing primarily in the slot in 2022, Williams was the Tigers’ most productive wide receiver, finishing with a team-high 56 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns.
As Clemson looks to climb back to the top of the mountain, Williams is set to play an instrumental role in a revamped offense under first-year offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.
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