He’s one of Clemson’s best defenders. But maybe, just maybe, he can help at WR too
Clemson is often referred to as “Wide Receiver U” as the Tigers are among the best in the nation at attracting high-profile wideouts and developing them into some of the top playmakers in college football.
But several receivers have missed time during 2020 fall camp due to being in COVID-19 protocol and because of various injuries. And Saturday’s scrimmage had as many former walk-ons working with the first-team offense in Will Brown and Will Swinney as it did high-level recruits.
With four of Clemson’s top wideouts out for Saturday’s scrimmage, receiver-turned-cornerback Derion Kendrick couldn’t help but think about the possibility of playing both ways in 2020.
“Being competitive, you try to do everything you can to help the team, so yeah, I’ve had some thoughts that I want to be on both sides, play both sides. God works everything out, not the player,” Kendrick said.
The Rock Hill native has not worked on the offensive side of the ball yet during fall camp, but he would be open to it.
Kendrick signed with Clemson as a five-star receiver in the class of 2018. He caught 15 passes for 210 yards as a true freshman that year before moving over to the defensive side of the ball and earning second-team All-ACC accolades as a sophomore in 2019.
Still, he feels like he has plenty left to prove, particularly after being listed as a co-starter on Clemson’s initial depth chart.
“It doesn’t matter what position, starting or sitting on the bench, it doesn’t matter. You always have something to prove,” Kendrick said. “It’s always something that you’re going to do. I always have something to prove. I’m always trying to get better. I’m always trying to take that next step.”
Kendrick was named to the preseason Thorpe Award watch list after recording 51 tackles, three tackles for loss, six pass breakups and a pair of interceptions in 2019.
But he isn’t worried about preseason accolades, only what people think of him after this year.
“Anybody can be on the list depending on what they did the year before or whatever,” Kendrick said. “My goal is to win it. I’m not really trying to be a list player. I’m trying to win it, so it’s not really about being on the list. I’m just trying to get better each day.”
Winning the Thorpe Award is a pretty lofty goal for a player who started his college career at receiver.
Kendrick spent this offseason working on his technique, watching film and doing everything he can to become a better cornerback. But he still remembers plenty about playing offense if he’s needed on that side of the ball as well.
“I’m just waiting on that time if it comes,” Kendrick said.
Clemson 2020 football schedule
Sept 12: at Wake Forest
Sept. 19: TBD non-conference home game
Sept. 26: Open
Oct. 3: vs. Virginia
Oct. 10: vs. Miami
Oct. 17: at Georgia Tech
Oct. 24: vs. Syracuse
Oct. 31: vs. Boston College
Nov. 7: at Notre Dame
Nov. 14: Open
Nov. 21: at Florida State
Nov. 28: vs. Pitt
Dec. 5: at Virginia Tech
