Tigers mythbuster: Kelly isn’t Clemson’s only receiving weapon

By Marc Hudgens  |   Monday, August 04, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Clemson Tigers
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Last Tuesday on FoxSports.com, a “Predictions for 2008 season” column, written by Ross Lucksinger, included an interesting bit on Clemson. In the ACC, Lucksinger tagged Clemson as the conference’s underachiever this year. No surprise there, but something he wrote -- “...the weapons, outside of senior Aaron Kelly, just aren't there at receiver -- was.

Not so fast, Ross.

Clemson fans will admit that Kelly, a senior wideout, is the go-to man for Tigers quarterback Cullen Harper. Last season, Kelly led Clemson in receiving yards per game (83.2), total yards (1,081) and touchdowns (11). Moreover, despite what Lucksinger wrote, Kelly is not the only thoroughbred in receivers coach Dabo Swinney’s stable.

Complementing Kelly is the 5-foot-11 Tyler Grisham, who's one of the best Clemson pass catchers in the modern era. He wasn’t ranked too highly in the ACC’s receiving category (13th in yards per game), but at the same time he was seventh in the conference in total receptions (60) and grabs per game (4.6) in 2007. Clearly Harper, Swinney and head coach Tommy Bowden are quite confident in the reliable Grisham’s abilities. And it’s pretty obvious why.

It’s the intangibles that tell Grisham's story. Last season, not to mention in the recent Orange-White spring game, Grisham hauled in some wild catches that most other receivers, including top ones, wouldn't have even attempted to make. Grisham also has a great deal of scampering ability; his relatively small size belies his speed and quickness. Because of all he brings to the table, Grisham is more of a 1A receiving option than a No. 2.

However, with Kelly returning and speed back C.J. Spiller lined up in the slot on certain occasions, opposing defenses will overlook Grisham, which is when he's most dangerous.

Overlooked is how he and Clemson like it.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He...
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