How Amari Rodgers was injured, and who could step up for Clemson as he recovers
The Clemson football team returned to the practice field on Wednesday with a key piece of its star-studded receiving group missing.
The Tigers were without starting receiver Amari Rodgers for the first time since he suffered a torn ACL during Monday’s practice. As Rodgers’ teammates worked out at Death Valley, they couldn’t help but think about what their injured teammate is going through.
“It was really hard because I know he was really looking forward to this year and getting his name out there some more and opening up some eyes and being a big piece to the team,” cornerback A.J. Terrell said. “Now that he can’t be there it’s only a little setback. He’ll be back stronger. ... We all are thinking positive about it. He’ll bounce back.”
Rodgers started all 15 games for the Tigers last season and was also Clemson’s primary punt returner.
He was slated to move to the slot in 2019 and potentially have an even bigger role this year than when he played outside last year. Instead, the junior is sidelined indefinitely and could miss the entire season.
“Amari injured his right knee in practice on Monday and will have surgery next week,” Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement. “He’s got a great attitude and he’s a grinder. I have no doubt he’ll come back better than ever.”
Rodgers was injured during the one-on-one portion of practice, according to several of his teammates. Sophomore cornerback Mario Goodrich, who lives next door to Rodgers, saw the entire play unfold.
“He really didn’t even get to his full route. He just came off the line and did a little stutter and went down,” Goodrich said. “It’s heartbreaking because you see a guy like Amari, he works so hard. He’s one of the last ones that comes off the field every day after practice. He’s just grinding. It hurt us to see him go down because he’s one of the main factors in our offense.
“But we’ve got other people that’s going to bring him up and we’re going to keep him up, support him during this time with what he’s going through. We’re all just going to love him and care for him.”
There are several who could step up while Rodgers is sidelined, including Cornell Powell, T.J. Chase and Diondre Overton.
The 6-foot-4 senior Overton spoke to the media Wednesday and said that while he might not be a prototypical slot receiver, he believes he can fill in for Rodgers and play inside. Overton has played outside throughout his time at Clemson but is working at all three receiver positions this spring.
“It’s a tough task but I had to have the mindset of a couple of guys go down, next guy up. I’ve got to be ready, learn, study, put the time in and be ready when my name is called,” Overton said. “It’s not really much of a difference (playing slot). You just have to understand the concepts and you get it down. It all comes easy.”
While Overton believes he is ready to step up with Rodgers out, this is not the way he wanted to receive more playing time.
“I feel bad for my boy Amari. I hope he has a speedy recovery, but it’s the next-guy-up mentality. Hopefully I can step up and fulfill that role,” Overton said. “I feel like I can produce matchups in the game. It’s not about being fast or whatever you wanna call it. It’s about going out and getting the job done.”
Clemson spring game info
Date: Saturday April 6
Time: 2:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN2