The Return of Amari Rodgers
After tearing his anterior cruciate ligament back in the spring and missing the first game of 2019, Clemson’s Amari Rodgers may have had some trouble finding his rhythm in a couple games this season, but on Saturday against Florida State, the junior wide receiver’s performance may have signaled a return to form.
Rodgers, who tied Justyn Ross for the most catches on the day, finished with 44 yards and a touchdown off a reverse play, which was his first rushing score, to help lift his team to a commanding 45-14 win. Although Rodgers caught four passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns against Syracuse, the next two games weren’t as productive, reeling in one pass against against Charlotte and three against the unranked UNC Tar Heels.
Head coach Dabo Swinney said Rodgers did not have a good game against UNC. The Tigers narrowly won that game 21-20.
“Last week everybody was going, ‘Oh my God, we've lost (wide receiver) Hunter Renfrow (2015-2018). What are we going to do without Hunter Renfrow?’" Swinney said. “I'm like, ‘Marty's (Rodgers) played two games (in 2019). He had a great game at Syracuse. He had two touchdowns, and he played a quarter versus Charlotte. He didn't play great at North Carolina. He should have got the first down on third-and-1. He should have cut back one time. He didn't play great.”
Swinney said Clemson’s win against Florida State and Rodgers performance in the game was an important component in the wide receiver’s comeback.
“Today was huge for him for sure,” Swinney said. “He is a great talent, so getting a guy back like him is awesome. I thought ... the reverse was awesome, but I thought the competitive catch with the guy kind of draped over him — off a little play action right there. A real strong, out front, hands catch with a guy really draped in a competitive position. I thought that was an awesome play by him.”
Swinney said Rodgers was a special player who conducts himself on the field as if he is a professional player, which led to his speedy recovery and return to productive play.
“He is a great leader,” Swinney said. “His work ethic is through the roof. That's why he was able to come back. He's just always working. He really kind of carries himself like a pro. I've never coached a great pro, but to me that's how he handles himself. He handles himself like he's a 30-year-old man that's been playing this game for a long time.”
