Ross understands the offense this season, which is scary for defenses

I feel like I actually understand the offense now. Last year, I was kind of here and there, but this year I actually understand the offense.

CLEMSON— It may be a scary thought for opposing defenses that sophomore wide receiver Justyn Ross was simply running around last season.

Ross announced his presence on a national stage in a big way as a true freshman in 2018, combining for 12 catches, 301 yards and three touchdowns in College Football Playoff games against No. 3 Notre Dame and No. 1 Alabama. Despite not starting a single game, he led Clemson with 1,000 receiving yards a season ago, including nine touchdowns among his 46 receptions. 

He joined Sammy Watkins (1,219 in 2011) as the only players in school history to post 1,000 receiving yards as a freshman. But this season, he is looking for even bigger things with a better understanding of the offense.

"I knew I could (have an impact last season)," Ross said. "But just me actually get out there and doing it—I feel like I actually understand the offense now. Last year, I was kind of here and there, but this year I actually understand the offense."

Understanding the offense has meant learning a new position this season.

Rather than sitting behind junior Tee Higgins playing the boundary wide receiver position, Ross has moved over to the opposite side of the field—where he hopes that the additional space will result in even more opportunities to make plays.

"I'm learning a new position I'm just trying to show that I can learn (the new position)," Ross said. "It's not really all that tough, because I know the concepts. When I get out there, I kind of know what everyone is supposed to do.

"I say open space because I'm to the field this year - I was to the boundary behind Tee and since I'm sort of feel I have a lot more space to work I mean I get to open though I get to open up my arsenal a little bit more "

If Ross is opens up his "arsenal" even more in 2019, there is an opportunity for the Tigers' offense to be even more explosive than it was last season.

Clemson’s explosiveness was reflected in its school-record 7.35 yards per play average, which shattered the previous record of 6.50 from 2006. The Tigers ranked in the top two in the nation in plays of 20-plus yards (104, second), 30-plus yards (59, tied for first), 40-plus yards (35, first), 50-plus yards (23, first) and 60-plus yards (13, tied for second). 

They also recorded a school-record 19 touchdowns covering 50 yards or more, annihilating the previous record of 14 set by the 2006 squad. Players who scored 18 of those 19 touchdowns of 50 yards or more a year ago return for Clemson in 2019.

Even with all of the expectations being placed on Ross and the Tigers' offense this season, with Ross being named a dark-horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy, he is only focused on putting in the same work that made him a phenomenal freshman.

"I'm keeping that same mentality going in and just work if everything I want just trying to make sure that I do the right thing," Ross said.