5 Clemson players most likely to become household names during the playoff
Clemson has some of the biggest names in college football in Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, Tee Higgins and Isaiah Simmons, but the Tigers also have several players most of the country has never heard of or doesn’t know much about
There are young guys that have flashed at different points throughout the season but have yet to get the attention of some of the bigger names on Clemson’s roster. They will have an opportunity to showcase their talents on the biggest stage in college football in the College Football Playoff over the next few weeks.
Here are five Tigers players that could become household names in the CFP:
LYN-J DIXON, RB
Clemson’s backup running back is averaging more than 6 yards per carry and is capable of breaking off a big run at any point. Dixon has been compared to Tigers star Travis Etienne since he arrived on campus, and he definitely has some of the same characteristics as the ACC Player of the Year. When Etienne is on the sideline against Ohio State and potentially in the national title game, don’t be surprised if Dixon makes a few big plays.
FRANK LADSON, WR
The freshman receiver is one of the fastest players on Clemson’s roster and has gotten more and more comfortable as the season has gone along. Ladson only has nine catches all year, but three of those went for touchdowns. Clemson has used mostly three-receiver sets in 2019 but could go more four-wide in the playoff to get another one of its playmakers at receiver on the field. If so, Ladson could be the guy to step up.
TYLER DAVIS, DT
After Clemson lost all four starters on its defensive line off of last year’s unit, the Tigers desperately needed someone to fill that void. Enter Tyler Davis, who as a freshman leads Clemson’s defensive line with 4.5 sacks. Davis has been disruptive up front all year, playing well against the run and putting pressure on quarterbacks. The All-ACC selection will need to continue to play well in the playoff.
JOSEPH NGATA, WR
If Ladson doesn’t impress in the College Football Playoff, perhaps another freshman receiver will. Ngata was the talk of fall camp as Dabo Swinney compared him to some of the best receivers to ever come through Clemson, but he has struggled to make a consistent impact during the season. The California native has 16 catches for 229 yards and three touchdowns, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Clemson has been saving some plays for Ngata to use him more now that the competition gets tougher.
DERION KENDRICK, CB
The sophomore has been a big time player on Clemson’s defense all season, but most of the nation still doesn’t know much about him. Kendrick has been overshadowed by guys like Isaiah Simmons, A.J. Terrell, Tanner Muse and K’Von Wallace, but he’s been a key piece to the Tigers’ secondary who will need to be at his best in the CFP.
This story was originally published December 25, 2019 at 12:52 PM.
