Predicting Clemson's offensive stat leaders in 2023
We're a week away from Clemson kicking off their 2023 season at Duke. We're also just seven days away from getting our first glimpse at Garrett Riley's offense at Clemson. With his Air Raid system now ready to launch, who will lead Clemson in the statbook?
Passing Yards: Cade Klubnik (So.)
Okay, this one seems obvious, so let's put a number on it. In Garrett Riley's system, Max Duggan threw for 3,298 yards in 2022, Tanner Mordecai threw for 3,628 in 2021, and Shane Buechele averaged over 300 yards per game in 2020. Clemson has more talent in the running back room than any of those teams, so they'll likely run the ball a lot more. Let's go with 3,300 yards through the air with 25 touchdowns.
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Rushing Yards: Will Shipley (Jr.)
This one is tougher. There's a feeling that Shipley could be used in more of an Alvin Kamara-like role, catching as many passes as he has rushing attempts, but that remains to be seen. What we do know is that Will Shipley is an All-conference caliber running back and Clemson is going to hand him the ball a lot. Phil Mafah will be right there, but Shipley gets the nod right now.
Receiving Yards: Antonio Williams (So.)
There's an argument to be made for Beaux Collins here. The 6-foot-3 Collins has been getting a ton of hype this offseason for the plays he's been making, but Antonio Williams is the guy at wideout for Clemson. The Freshmen All-American can play every wide receiver spot in Garrett Riley's offense. From the slot to the outside, Williams can do it all. Look for Riley to utilize him in the screen game as well as downfield.
