Clemson TE Milan Richard is becoming a bigger part of the Tigers’ offense

Clemson tight end Milan Richard is slowly becoming more involved in the Tigers’ passing game after opening the season mostly contributing as a blocker.

Richard caught the first touchdown of his career this past Saturday in Clemson’s 24-10 win over Georgia Tech and is now fourth on the team in receptions and yards with 13 for 175.

The junior has 10 catches for 94 yards over the past five games after recording only three catches through the first three games of the season.

Richard said he feels like he has a bigger role in Clemson’s offense now than he did at the beginning of the year.

“I’m just trying to help the team win. If my number’s called, just trying to make a play,” he said. “I would definitely say I'm more comfortable than I was starting the year. With playing a couple games, I feel like I have more experience under my belt.”

Richard had only one catch entering the season but has blossomed into a threat in the passing game for the Tigers.

He is replacing Jets rookie tight end Jordan Leggett, who caught 46 passes for 736 yards and seven scores this past season.

“I think Milan is no different than a lot of our guys that are getting some opportunity this year for the first time,” Tigers co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott said. “Now you’re getting into that seventh and eighth week, I think just his confidence, he’s playing faster because he’s got some experience under his belt. He knows what he’s doing.”

The touchdown pass Richard caught on Saturday was a 20-yard reception on a post route and gave the Tigers a 14-3 lead in the first quarter.

The 14 points was all Clemson would need as its defense shut down the Yellow Jackets.

“Milan’s definitely been improving,” Scott said. “It was great to see him get in the end zone, and hopefully we’ll have a few more of those.”

The reception was special for Richard as it came with his uncle and former Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker in attendance.

Walker spent the weekend in Clemson, hanging out with Richard and his family.

“It was great. He really had a great time. I think they got in town Friday so he came and saw a little bit of our walk through Friday in the stadium and then was at the game Saturday,” Milan said. “He’ll be back soon. We’ll probably get to show him around more when we’re not in season.”